The Pub Landlord calls for industry support

Comedian Al Murray has backed the campaign to #SupportPubsNOW, with pubs facing a crisis due to loss of business.

Comedian Al Murray has backed the campaign to #SupportPubsNOW, with pubs and publicans facing a crisis due to loss of business and ongoing Covid-19 restrictions.

Murray has become an ambassador for the Campaign for Pubs, the national grassroots campaign group representing pubs, publicans and pub goers, and is calling on all UK pub lovers to sign the #SupportPubsNOW petition that asks for an urgent package of support for all pubs to help them survive the winter. The #SavePubsNOW petition, started by campaign director Greg Mulholland, now has over 10,000 signatures. 
  
“The situation facing our nation’s pubs and publicans is serious," says Murray. "For all of us who care about our locals and the role they play in communities, we need to show our support.” 

The campaign argues that current levels of support are inadequate and, without more from government, many pubs are at risk of closing.   
  
The petition calls on the UK government to announce an urgent package of support for pubs including:

  • Closure grants increased to at least £1,000 a week to actually cover costs, avoid business failure and prevent hardship
  • A statutory rent code, including the right to a rent review and to stop unreasonable rents that don't reflect trading conditions
  • A business rates holiday in 2021/22 
  • VAT of 5% on all pub/hospitality sales, including on all drinks
  • A tailored package of support, including business rates relief for small brewers and other suppliers