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Article: Village pubs hope for a cash lifeline from Labour
- Article from:
- The Independent (London, England)
- Article date:
- February 13, 2000
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 2000 The Independent - London. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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COUNTRY pubs struggling to stay afloat will have their business
rates slashed under proposals being considered by the Government.
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott's department is looking into
plans to offer rate relief to ailing village pubs, under a similar
scheme to that which grants some small shops and sub-post offices in
rural areas between 50 per cent and 100 per cent off their tax bills.
Ministers believe the pub is, in some cases, an integral part of
rural life, particularly in remote areas. But many publicans are
struggling to make ends meet and to foot soaring bills and running
costs.
Senior members of Government have been contacted by publicans who
believe their businesses ...