Pubs and live music venues relief

The government issued a press statement on 27 January 2026 that from 2026/2027 eligible pubs and live music venues will benefit from a 15 per cent business rate relief on top of the support announced in the budget. Bills will then be frozen in real terms for a further two years.

The government’s policy intention is that pubs and live music venues should be eligible for the relief which will be applicable to occupied properties only.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) will shortly publish full guidance for local authorities and further details on the scheme will be published on the council website as soon as possible.