Mark Davies, CEO of Hawthorn, the Community Pub Company (formerly Hawthorn Leisure), has responded to the Budget.
Davies said, “While the Budget will provide some much-needed support for pubs until reopening, it falls far short of the measures we were hoping for, particularly on Business Rates and VAT, and this will put some Community Pubs at risk of closure.
'Also the Budget statement was silent on State Aid and Business Rate reform, which was a disappointment.'
Davies continued, “Our priority remains to protect our people and our pubs, and we will continue to work hand-in-hand with our Pub Partners, helping them apply for grants, and providing our own bespoke support packages to ensure they not only survive lockdown, but bounce back when they reopen.
“I’m grateful to my colleagues across the industry, in particular at the BBPA for their tireless work over the last few weeks in trying to state the case for the Pub sector.'
Davies closed, 'Over the coming months, we will continue to fight for the future of the Great British Pub, and ensure that the measures announced today by the Chancellor are kept under review as we work through our roadmap to reopen.”