Business rates
Pubs and licensed trade
In England and Wales, the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) works out your rateable value using 鈥榝air maintainable turnover鈥�. This is the annual level of trade (excluding VAT) your pub is expected to achieve if operated in a reasonably efficient way. It鈥檚 based on:
- the type of pub or licensed premises
- the area it鈥檚 in
- your trading information and patterns
- the services it offers, for example food, gaming, or sports screenings
- how much rent you pay
- any income you make from accommodation
- rents and turnovers of other pubs
The VOA then applies a percentage to work out the rateable value. The percentages are agreed with industry groups, including the British Beer and Pub Association. You can find the percentages in the VOA鈥檚 valuation of public houses approved guide.
You can find your business rates valuation online. If you want to check the figures the VOA are using or do not agree with the valuation, you can sign in or set up a business rates valuation account or contact the VOA.
Business rates relief for pubs and licensed trade
You may be eligible for business rates relief if your business is:
If your licensed premises are in Scotland
In Scotland, your local assessor works out your rateable value. if you want to check the figures they鈥檙e using or do not agree with the figures being used.
If your licensed premises are in Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, Land and Property Services (LPS) works out your business rates. .