A pub in the Midlands has issued a stark warning and laid out three critical demands it says are essential for the survival of the UK's hospitality trade, as hopes grow for a government U-turn on business rates.
The Unfair Tax Burden on Pubs
The Goat's Head in Staffordshire has been vocal in its criticism of what it calls the "unfair tax burden" placed on British pubs. Its landlord, Ian Hillman, appeared on BBC One on Sunday, January 11, 2026, to amplify these concerns, stating that if the current budget remained unchanged, "there wouldn't be many pubs left".
This comes against a backdrop of industry-wide anxiety. The current business rates discount for the hospitality sector is set to expire on March 31. According to trade body UK Hospitality, the planned revaluation could see business rates for pubs and bars increase by an average of 15%, a move that would push many already struggling venues over the edge.
Three Demands for Survival
Following the television appearance, The Goat's Head took to social media to crystallise its campaign into three clear demands. The pub stated that for the trade to have a future, the government must act on the following:
- An urgent rethink on business rates: The impending hike is seen as unsustainable for an industry still recovering from past challenges.
- A freeze or reduction in alcohol duty: Lowering this tax would help pubs compete more fairly with supermarket prices.
- A lower VAT rate of 10% for the sector: A permanent reduced rate would provide vital financial breathing space for hospitality businesses.
The post concluded with a heartfelt plea: "Pubs are vital to our communities and we don’t want to even imagine a world without them. Support your local, lobby your MP."
A Potential Government U-Turn
There is, however, a glimmer of hope for publicans. Following significant backlash to last year's Autumn Budget—which saw high-profile landlords like Jeremy Clarkson banning Labour MPs from their establishments—the Labour government is now expected to perform a U-turn.
Instead of proceeding with the scheduled end of the rates relief, ministers are anticipated to announce a new package of support designed to provide pubs with much-needed relief. This potential reversal underscores the powerful lobbying efforts of the industry and the recognition of the pub's role as a community hub.
The coming weeks will be crucial as the government finalises its plans ahead of the March deadline. For landlords like Ian Hillman and communities across the Midlands and the UK, the outcome will determine whether their local pub remains open or becomes another casualty of economic pressure.
