Happy hour for Honiton pubs and bars as government cuts business rates

Publicans in Honiton will be pulling a celebratory pint this week after the Chancellor announced he would be slashing their bills by £1,000.

The government says this new move signals its support for communities up and down the country.

Sajid Javid confirmed the new Pubs Relief would be introduced in April, with £1,000 being taken off the business rates bills of small pubs who qualify.

As many as 18,000 pubs are expected to benefit from the discount.

The relief will come on top of an extended retail discount, which smaller pubs are also eligible for.

Those eligible for both reliefs will get up to £13,500 off their annual bills.

The Pubs Relief is part of a package of measures that is being introduced by the government to support local high streets. From April this year:

-Small shops and cafes will see their bills halved as the retail discount, currently a third off, is extended to 50%.

-A £1,500 discount for local newspapers office space will be extended for a further five years

Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid said: "Thousands of pubs will get £1,000 off their rates bills this April, thanks to the changes we're announcing today.

"These will mean lower rates for the small independent shops, cafes and locals at the heart of our communities, as well as for the local papers that are a vital pillar in local democracy."

Community Pubs Minister Luke Hall said: "Pubs are front and centre of communities around the country, the key to thousands of jobs and providing a meeting point for local residents to get together and enjoy a pint.

"Today's business rates cut continues our firm commitment to support pub owners, helping to keep the pints pouring and the locals happy."

The government is committed to launching a fundamental review of business rates and further details will be announced 'in due course'.

ONS stats released last week showed that the number of small pubs and bars rose last year.

The support for pubs comes following the announcement of more than £1m for community pubs.

The funding will help an estimated 100 new groups to take ownership of and save their local, or support essential community services in pubs in rural and remote areas.