Independent pub operators are calling for a cut in business rates as costs soar.
In a survey by the British Institute of Innkeeping of 207 independent pub operators, 15% said their business is no longer viable, predicting they would have to close permanently. Around half have had to reduce trading hours because of a lack of staff, according to the survey.
The majority of BII members are single pub operators, who either run a leased business, have a tenancy with a pub chain from which they must purchase beer, or own a freehold property. There are about 36,000 independent pubs in the UK, according to the BII.
