Closed petition: Cut VAT, Slash Beer Duty, reform business rates and cap energy costs for pubs

Closed on 7 February 2026

We urge the Government to cut VAT for pubs to 10% or less, reduce beer duty, reform business rates, introduce an energy cap, and address unfair wholesale pricing. Without urgent action, thousands of pubs face closure—threatening jobs, communities, and local culture.

Operating costs seem out of control: energy bills have increased significantly, business rates are up 140%, and all overheads—wages, insurance, deliveries, beer duty—keep rising. Margins on a pint have collapsed. Pubs pay 20% VAT while supermarkets pay less so they are able to undercut us. We think most pub closures are due to VAT, energy, and beer duty costs—not lack of effort. Pubs often can’t pass on costs; urgent government support is vital.