Welsh hospitality businesses to benefit from rates support

In Wales, around 4,400 pubs, restaurants, cafes, bars, and live music venues will be eligible for 15 per cent business rates relief in 2026-27, the Finance Secretary has announced.

Finance secretary Mark Drakeford said: "Pubs, restaurants, cafes, bars, and live music venues are at the heart of communities across Wales.

"We know they are facing real pressures, from rising costs to changing consumer habits.

"This additional support will help around 4,400 businesses as they adapt to these challenges.

"We have extended this relief to restaurants and cafes, as well as pubs and live music venues, because in towns and high streets across Wales these businesses operate side by side, often in direct competition.

"It makes sense to support them equally."

The relief, valued at up to £8 million, will be funded through a combination of UK Government and Welsh Government resources.

It comes in addition to long-term support already in place, including Small Business Rates Relief.

Almost half of pubs in Wales currently benefit from the scheme, and more than a quarter pay no rates at all.

Permanent reliefs are estimated to be worth £250 million annually.

From April, the business rates multiplier will be reduced for the first time since 2010.

£116 million in transitional relief is being provided over two years to help businesses adjust to the revaluation.

Mark said: "This builds on more than £1 billion in temporary rates relief we have provided since 2020, alongside our permanent reliefs worth £250 million every year.

"We will continue to stand behind the hospitality businesses that serve our communities."

Eligible businesses can apply for the relief through their local authority from April 2026.