Lincolnshire pubs ‘on a knife-edge’ as business rates changes threaten viability

Lincolnshire pub operators have warned that some venues could become financially unviable if forthcoming changes to business rates significantly increase their bills. Several landlords and industry representatives said rising costs across energy, staffing, food and drink, alongside reduced discretionary spending by customers, have already put pressure on trade. They argued that any further increase in fixed costs could lead to shorter opening hours, job losses, or closures in some areas. The government is expected to set out further detail on business rates policy in due course. At the time of writing, it is not yet clear how any changes would affect individual premises in Lincolnshire, as outcomes can vary depending on a property’s rateable value and any reliefs for which a business may be eligible. The British Beer and Pub Association and other trade bodies have previously called for long-term reform of the business rates system, arguing that hospitality and high-street businesses are disproportionately affected compared with online competitors. Lincolnshire councils administer the collection of business rates locally, while the system and key policy decisions are set nationally. Business owners seeking clarity on their likely bills are advised to consult official guidance and their local authority once updated information is published. No individual pub has been identified as facing closure, and no closures have been confirmed in connection with the potential changes.