Pubs, social clubs and live music venues in England are to receive a 20% cut in business rates bills from April next year, the government has announced.
Ministers said the change would benefit nearly 32,000 venues and save a typical pub an estimated £1,100 in the next financial year. The measure is being presented as support for high streets and town centres.
The government said the rates cut will be fully funded, including through a review of reliefs available to businesses it says do not make a positive contribution to local communities. Vape shops were named as an example in the announcement.
Officials also said they intend to crack down on businesses selling through online marketplaces while failing to comply with tax obligations. The government is consulting on measures to make online marketplaces more responsible for preventing non-compliant sellers from avoiding tax.
Revenue raised from the reforms is due to be reinvested in improvements to the business rates system. The government said further details would be set out in due course.
Chancellor John Healey said pubs, clubs and live music venues support local jobs and help keep town centres busy. The government also said it would return to wider business rates reform, including Small Business Rates Relief, at the Budget.