Dear Alok,

URGENT – Restricted & reduced pub trade requires urgent action to reduce rents

We are writing to you on behalf of our pubs and publicans, to raise with you the serious issue that it is now clear that pubs will be operating for the foreseeable future with significantly reduced trade. Therefore it is also clear that unrealistic rents, which are the biggest threat to the continued existence of thousands of pub businesses, must be correspondingly reduced across the board.

We were delighted when you stated, very clearly and powerfully, “Our pubs, restaurants and cafes are the lifeblood of high streets and town centres across the country and we are doing all we can to ensure they can bounce back as quickly and safely as possible”.

In order for those words to be put into action publicans now urgently require action to stop the charging of unreasonable and unsustainable rents – and for the Government to step in and help all pub tenants by giving them all the right to a rent review…