Grassroots venues call Labour rates relief ‘token gesture’ amid fight for survival

Indie rock artist, Snail Mail, pictured during a gig at the Hare & Hounds, an independent music venue in south Birmingham. - (Credit: Sam Frankwood)

It’s no secret that the situation of Britain’s music venues has grown increasingly fraught, made worse by the Covid pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis, and shifting trends in alcohol consumption.

That’s why, when Labour pledged to reduce business rates for pubs and music venues by 15 per cent back in January, many business owners across the country breathed a collective sigh of relief.