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Less than one in four pubs in the UK have received the full payment of grants they were entitled to in the autumn and winter months of 2020, according to a survey carried out by the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII).
The trade body’s research into how pub owners access government grant support revealed that one in seven licensees have yet to receive a single payment into their banks from grants they are entitled to.
Furthermore, grants which were designed to support pubs who could still open, albeit with restrictions, have caused confusion in local authorities and have resulted in a delay in accessing support.
Steven Alton, CEO of the BII, said: “This survey has confirmed that there are very different experiences for licensees claiming these essential packages of support, depending on where they are based in the country.
“Pubs need a full package of measures to support their recovery going forwards. 80% of our respondents believe cancellation of Business Rates for 2021/22 is critical to enable them to plan for the survival of their pubs once they are allowed to reopen.”
He added: “Similarly, 64% believe it is also critical to continue the reduction of VAT at 5% for the rest of the year, whilst almost as many believe this reduction should also apply to alcohol served in their venues.”
