Faversham brewery boss warns pubs are facing a ‘crisis’

Currently, eligible companies can get 75% off their business rates bills up to a maximum of £110,000 a year.

But the scheme, which was introduced for pubs, restaurants, bars and cafes in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, is set to finish in April next year.

Mr Neame is urging the government to stick to a manifesto promise of a fundamental reform of business rates and to extend existing relief until it can be carried out.

“This is the most over-taxed and over-regulated hospitality sector in the world. We pay six times more alcohol tax than in Germany for example. And so we can’t keep piling costs on small businesses in this way because they just won’t become sustainable.”

He says it is hard to see how speculated measures would fit with the government’s aim to grow the economy.

“If half of those things that are being speculated come to fruition then in our view that will be anti-business, anti-growth and will drive up inflation.”

The Chancellor has said she will have to make some “tough choices” in the Budget, describing a £22bn “black hole” in the finances.

An HM Treasury spokesperson said: “We’re supporting businesses, including hospitality, through pledges to make the business rates system fairer, cap corporation tax at 25% and to publish a corporate tax roadmap so that they have some welcome certainty to plan for the future.”