Pub bosses have called for tax reform, saying that issues with the business rates system mean they are struggling to make profits. Chris Jowsey, the chief executive of Admiral Taverns, said: “On the face of it, pubs are doing really well because people are spending lots of money but none of it is translating to the bottom line.” Simon Dodd, the boss of chain Young’s, said rates reform “would help the whole sector,” adding: “All we are asking for is a fair playing field.” Simon Emeny, chief executive of Fuller’s, added: “An overhaul of our archaic business rates is long overdue, and the truth is that the whole system is not fit for purpose.” Nick Mackenzie, Greene King’s chief executive, believes the business rates system should be changed to a tax on profits. The hospitality industry was hit by a £500m increase in business rates in April, with the sector also seeing costs climb due to increases in employer National Insurance and the minimum wage.
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