Tony Baldry

Conservative Party | Banbury

LOCAL MP FIGHTS AGAINST TAX ON PUB QUIZZES

Tony Baldry says rise in business rates could spell last orders for some pubs

North Oxfordshire MP, Tony Baldry, has launched a campaign to stop a new Government tax on local pubs that hold pub quizzes, pool tournaments, or even have a pub football team.

The changes to the Non-Domestic Rating Reference Manual, to be introduced in 2010, will cost most pubs £440 extra a year as part of their Business Rates; but for many small rural pubs it could mean an increase by almost half their business rates.  The levy will be raised for pubs with quizzes, televisions, pool tables, dart boards or a football team.

Tony Baldry, who has launched a cross-party parliamentary motion against the move, is also writing to every pub in North Oxfordshire to support a parliamentary petition calling on the Government to scrap the tax rise.  The tax rise is a further attack on pubs in rural communities, with the Campaign for Real Ale estimating that 56 pubs are closing permanently every month.

Tony Baldry MP said:

“This is a further attack on rural communities by the Government.  Pubs are at the heart of many communities, and it is simply crazy to raise taxes on thriving pubs just because they hold a quiz night.  This new tax could have a devastating impact on rural pubs, increasing by half the current business rates for some.  This tax could spell last orders for some pubs, with 56 pubs already closing each month.  Local events such as football games and quizzes bring communities together and provide much needed revenue for landlords on quieter nights.   The Government should scrap this tax, and let pubs get on with serving locals."