Retailers appear to have been snubbed in the latest measures from the UK government, which yesterday announced a 15% cut for pubs following a backlash over business rates.

Estimated to be worth between £80m and £100m a year, the Treasury said that the package will roll out over three years, with the aim of preventing closures in the hospitality sector. 

The relief will be applied specifically to pubs where customers can buy drinks without eating and does not impact hotels or restaurants. 

The support does not extend to alcohol retailers however, many of which are also under tight financial constraints, made even more severe by rising business rates.

In response, Miles Beale, CEO of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, called for the support package to be widened to include all of the retail, hospitality and leisure sector. 

Beale said: “While we welcome the government’s decision to support pubs and live music venues through business rates relief, it will however come as a bitter disappointment to the rest of the retail, hospitality and leisure sector, such as restaurants and high street retailers which are facing the same survival pressures but have been left out. Why single out specific sectors when all business types are suffering? 

“For WSTA members – producers, wholesalers, retailers and many hospitality businesses and their supply chains – this is a double blow, landing just as alcohol duty rises take effect on 1 February.”