Pubs and live music venues relief
The government announced on 27 January 2026 that in 2026/27 eligible pubs and live music venues will benefit from a 15% business rates relief on top of any transitional relief or supporting small business relief, and eligible business’ bills will then be frozen in real terms for a further 2 years.
Pubs
Relief will only be awarded to pubs which meet all of the following criteria:
- Open to the general public
- Allows free entry (other than occasional entertainment provided)
- Allows drinking without requiring food to be consumed
- Permits drinks to be purchased at a bar
This does not include:
- cafes
- casinos
- cinemas
- concert halls
- exhibition halls
- festival sites
- guest houses
- hotels
- museums
- nightclubs
- restaurants
- sporting venues
- theatres
Live music venues
Live music venues are properties that:
- are wholly or mainly used for the performance of live music for the purpose of entertaining the audience
- can be used for other activities but only if those activities are ancillary to the performance of live music e.g. sale of food or drink, and do not affect the primary use as a live music venue e.g. because the activities are infrequent such as use of the venue as a polling station or fortnightly community event
For more information about who is eligible for the relief please see the government guidance.
Applying for relief
We have identified all businesses that meet the qualifying criteria, and this will be reflected on your 2026/27 bill which will be received mid-March. If you believe you are eligible for this relief, but it does not appear on your bill, please contact [email protected].
Last updated 04 March 2026