EditorCAMRA warns Welsh pubs still face closure despite new business rates relief
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) said the one‑year discount, unveiled by the Finance Secretary this afternoon, was welcome but nowhere near enough to stop more pubs shutting their doors.
The intervention comes after Swansea Bay News revealed growing anger from local councillors and business owners who warned that Welsh pubs were being left behind compared with England, where support is far more generous.
CAMRA Wales Director Chris Charters said the new relief “is only the start”, warning that many pubs will still see their bills rise sharply because of the recent rates revaluation.
“Today’s announcement that pubs will get 15% off their business rates bills is a welcome step,” he said. “However, many pubs still face big hikes in their bills due to the rates revaluation which could still lead to more of our locals in Wales being forced to close for good.”
Charters said the temporary discount does nothing to fix what he called an “unfair” system that leaves pubs struggling to compete with supermarkets and online retailers.
“Fifteen percent off for a year won’t fix the unfair business rates system our pubs are being crushed by,” he said. “Whoever forms the next Welsh Government must commit to proper reform by introducing a permanently lower business rates system for pubs.”
He warned that without long‑term change, communities will continue to lose vital social hubs that help tackle loneliness and isolation.
“Welsh publicans need a permanent solution, or doors will continue to close and communities will be shut away from these essential social hubs,” he said.
The Welsh Government’s announcement follows weeks of pressure from the hospitality sector and local politicians, including warnings that the widening gap with England’s support package was putting Welsh pubs at a competitive disadvantage.
Industry groups say the revaluation has hit many pubs particularly hard, with some facing increases of thousands of pounds even after the new discount is applied.
CAMRA’s comments add fresh pressure on ministers to commit to a full overhaul of the system, rather than short‑term sticking‑plaster measures.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Welsh Government announces new rates relief for pubs and restaurants after warnings over unfair gap with England
Ministers unveiled a 15% discount for hospitality businesses following concerns that Welsh pubs were being left behind.
Swansea councillor warns Welsh pubs risk being left behind as business rates row deepens
Local leaders said the revaluation would hit pubs hard unless the Welsh Government matched support available in England.
