NTIA warns business rates relief must extend beyond pubs

The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has warned that proposed business rates relief must apply across the night-time economy, amid concerns that government support may be limited to pubs. 

According to industry figures, suggestions that pubs alone could benefit from forthcoming reductions ignored the wider ecosystem of venues operating at night, including nightclubs, bars, casinos, theatres and live music spaces. 

It comes as business rates across the night-time economy are expected to rise by an average of 76% from April 2026, according to industry estimates. Around half of nightclubs and similar venues are forecast to face increases of 50% or more, with some operators reporting anticipated rises of between 100% and 200%.

Independent venues were described as particularly exposed, with limited financial capacity to absorb higher fixed costs.

Michael Kill, chief executive of the NTIA, said: “The suggestion that this is ‘just pubs’ is misleading and frustrating. Pubs are important, but they are only one part of the nightlife ecosystem. Casinos, nightclubs, theatres, bars, and live music venues all rely on each other to thrive.

“These business rates increases – averaging 76%, with some doubling or more – put the entire sector at risk. If these venues fail, we lose jobs, culture, and vital infrastructure that makes the UK a world-leading destination for nightlife.”

The NTIA also revealed it had been contacted by members reporting sharp increases in rateable values ahead of the 2026 revaluation. Examples cited by the organisation include a city nightclub facing a 120% rise in its rates bill, an independent theatre expecting its costs to more than double, and a regional casino anticipating a 100% increase.

Sacha Lord, chair of the NTIA, added: “This is absolutely a step in the right direction, however it doesn’t go far enough. The Chancellor urgently needs to apply this to the whole sector, not just pubs. Small independent restaurants are closing in droves. It would be totally unfair to help one part of the sector, whilst leaving another part high and dry.”

Industry bodies argue that failure to extend relief could lead to widespread closures, job losses and long-term damage to local evening economies. They have called for direct intervention on business rates for the full night-time economy, warning that April 2026 represents a critical point for many venues.