Rachel Reeves set to introduce yet another tax on UK pubs in 'attractive locations'

Rachel Reeves set to introduce yet another tax on UK pubs in 'attractive locations'Pubs in scenic locations are being hit with higher business rates as HMRC is handed new guidance on collecting more tax from "character properties". Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments By Brian Dillon, Audience Writer 08:16, Fri, May 29, 2026 Updated: 08:17, Fri, May 29, 2026 Rachel Reeves is being criticised for her approach to pubs (Image: Getty)Pubs in scenic locations are set to be charged higher business rates in what is being called the "nice pub tax". HMRC has handed out new guidance to tax officials to charge higher tax on "character properties" in more "attractive" locations, such as by a river or surrounded by scenic green space. It marks a significant change in how nearly 40,000 pubs will be assessed during this year's revaluation exercise. window.scriptsToLoad.push({url:'https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=118222&vp_content=plembed3a6btjknzwqh&cbuster=%%CACHEBUSTER%%&playerApiId=v118222',triggeredBy:'tcfLoaded',delay:1500,containerId:'ovp-primis',title:"Primis player",beforeLoad:()=>{window.top.addEventListener('primisPlayerInit',e=>{try{if(e.detail&&e.detail.playerApiId==="v118222"){if(window.document.getElementsByClassName('jwplayer')[0]){e.detail.float('disable')}}}catch(e){}})},}) Business rates are based on a property's 'rateable value', which is updated by the Valuation Office (VO) to reflect changes in the property market. According to new reports, pubs that have playgrounds and large car parks face higher rates, as do gastropubs that serve a premium-priced menu. The Conservative Party have said this will lead to "last orders for countless beloved watering holes". Landlords have called for reforms in the way business rates are calculated, as industry leaders warn that many boozers will not be able to absorb these costs and will be forced to shut. Article...