The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers responds to Queen's speech

The ALMR is disappointed over the lack of specific business rates reform for the next two Parliamentary years.

“Today’s speech rightly focused on Brexit but it is nevertheless disappointing that there was no specific announcement on business rates reform which we called on as a first day priority for the new government.

“The current rates regime is rigged against hospitality businesses as it penalises growth and investment as higher turnover invariably leads to higher rates. We will now be looking for reassurances from ministers on a commitment to rates reform in the Budget later this year,” said ALMR Chief Executive Kate Nicholls.

ALMR, the only national trade body dedicated to representing the interests of the UK’s diverse eating and drinking out sector, strongly urge the Government to work closely with them and other stakeholders to ensure they don’t damage growth or investment.

“On immigration and access to labour, the sector needs clarity. We take some assurances from today’s speech but any legislation needs to be expedited to provide certainty to operators and employees alike.

“We will wait with interest for detail on this and other issues such as skills and employment protection measures,” she added.