CarlsbergBritvic-SDR-Licensed-v17 - Flipbook - Page 47
Licensed category overview
Licensed deep dive
Licensed data tables
THE OUTLOOK
FOR PUBS
IN 202512
CHALLENGES
ALCOHOL DUTY
FREEZE ENDS
Introduced for six months in February 2024 and
extended for a further six months in August, the
alcohol duty freeze ended in February 2025,
raising the duty payable on alcoholic drinks by
pub operators.12
OPPORTUNITIES
EVENTS
There are still plenty of events, sporting or otherwise,
to capitalise on for the forthcoming year. For
example, the UEFA Nations League finals in June;
the UEFA Women’s Euros held in Switzerland in July;
the Women’s Rugby World Cup kicks off in England
in August; National Burger Week runs the same
month and there’s National Curry Week in October.
Why not plan some events?
BUSINESS RATES
RELIEF REDUCTION
Until April 2025, most licensed operators were
eligible for a 75% discount on business rates
under the Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Relief
(RHLR) scheme. In April, the discount was
reduced to 40% and will last until April 2026.12
EMPLOYER NATIONAL
INSURANCE
CONTRIBUTIONS RISE
In April 2025, employers’ national insurance
contributions rose from 13.8% to 15% of
employee salaries.12
GROWING DEMAND
FOR PREMIUM
EXPERIENCES
Quality is again consumers’ number one
consideration when they’re choosing where to
go out to eat or drink.10 That’s why it’s time to
start adding extra wow factor to drinks menus!
DYNAMIC
PRICING
By adopting dynamic pricing strategies, growing
numbers of pub operators are offsetting high
staffing costs at peak times by charging higher
prices; conversely, they can also drive footfall at
less busy times by lowering prices.
12 Mintel Pubs & Bars Report UK 2024
LICENSED DEEP DIVE
47
