Rick Astley, the pop icon known for his hit “Never Gonna Give You Up,” has voiced his opposition to a recent tax increase proposed by the Labour Party, which he argues could jeopardize numerous pubs across the UK. As a part-owner of the trendy Mikkeller Brewpub in North London, Astley has joined a growing chorus of landlords who are expressing concern over the financial implications of the new tax measures.
The Labour Party’s latest Budget plan includes significant hikes in business rates, which could result in an additional £6,000 in costs for some establishments. Astley highlighted the potential consequences, noting that the pub industry is already facing challenges from rising costs associated with National Insurance and increasing energy prices.
“Increases in National Insurance costs and alcohol duty, combined with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, are causing pubs to close faster than ever,” Astley stated. He emphasized the detrimental impact of removing business rates relief, describing it as “pulling the rug out from underneath them at a time when they’re already struggling to make ends meet.”
The British Beer and Pub Association has reported alarming trends, indicating that approximately 2,000 pubs have shut down in the past five years. The association’s chief executive, Emma McClarkin, warned that the new business rates could push the industry to its limits. “Every time a pub closes, it takes with it jobs and the heart and soul of the community,” she said.
Astley is not alone in his stance. Numerous landlords, including Jeremy Clarkson, a well-known columnist and pub owner near Burford, Oxfordshire, have signed the “Taxed Out” campaign, which seeks to ban Labour MPs from their establishments in protest against the Budget plan. This collective action underscores the urgency felt within the hospitality sector as it grapples with financial pressures.
While Astley supports efforts to assist pubs during this challenging period, he has refrained from endorsing a complete ban on Labour MPs from his brewpub. His comments reflect a growing discontent among business owners, who fear that without sufficient support, their establishments may not survive the current economic climate.
As discussions around the Budget continue, the implications for the pub industry remain a critical concern for both owners and patrons alike. The ongoing debate highlights the need for a balanced approach that considers the sustainability of local businesses while addressing broader economic challenges.
