The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) recently issued a stark warning. The UK is set to lose one pub every single day in 2025. Rising costs, staffing pressures, inflation, and sky-high business rates are forcing even well-loved community establishments to close their doors. The hospitality sector is high-pressure and high-volume, requiring reliable accountants who understand its complexities to help venues navigate these challenges.

And while there’s encouraging news on the horizon, such as record-breaking sales of no- and low-alcohol beers this summer in the hospitality sector, it’s not enough to offset the financial pressure many pubs and other hospitality venues are under.

If you work in the hospitality industry, running a pub, bar, or restaurant, you don’t need more doom and gloom.

You need clarity, control, and a financial partner who understands the unique financial challenges you face—and knows where to look for relief. Specialised accountants with industry-specific expertise are essential for helping hospitality venues manage costs, compliance, and profitability. BII (British Institute of Innkeeping) accredited advisors to the licensed trade, like HLWA Accountants, are recognised for their specialist knowledge and support for licensed trade venues.

Business Rates: A Broken System Hurting British Pubs, Bars, and Hospitality Businesses

Pubs across the country are calling for urgent business rates reform, and rightly so. Many landlords are struggling to pay outdated rateable values that no longer reflect real trading conditions. The BBPA, CAMRA, and other trade bodies are campaigning for change, but reform takes time.

From April 1, 2026, pubs face average rateable value increases of 30% to 70% due to the upcoming business rates revaluation. In addition, the 40% Retail, Hospitality, and Leisure (RHL) relief is set to end on March 31, 2026, which will significantly increase tax liability for pubs.

In the meantime, there are ways to reduce your liability, and that’s where business planning with an experienced pub accountant or pub company advisor can help. Solid business planning is more important than ever in the pub trade due to rising costs, staffing challenges, and increased competition.

Can a Specialist Pub Accountant Help You?

At HLWA, we are a specialist pub accountant who work with pubs, bars, and hospitality businesses across the UK. Our clients benefit from tailored services and strong, supportive relationships, your success is our priority.

Here’s how we help:

1. Business Rates Review
   We can support you in reviewing your rateable value, especially if your footfall or revenue has dropped post-COVID.
2. VAT Planning for Food & Drink Sales
   Complexities around VAT on alcohol, food, and soft drinks can create costly mistakes. We make sure you’re applying the right rates and reclaiming what you’re entitled to.
3. Licensing and Entertainment Tax Considerations
   Whether you host live music, run pub quizzes, or broadcast sport, different tax implications may apply. We make sure you’re compliant—without overpaying.
4. Payroll & Staffing Support
   From seasonal staff to tipping and tronc schemes, payroll in pubs can be a minefield. Payroll management in the hospitality sector is complex due to tips, zero hours contracts, and high employee turnover, making it essential to ensure employees are paid accurately and on time. We help you streamline operations and stay on the right side of HMRC.
5. Profitability & Tax Efficiency Reviews
   We go beyond bookkeeping and crunch numbers to provide detailed financial analysis. We identify areas where you can improve margins, claim reliefs, and strengthen cash flow to weather uncertainty.
6. Specialist Licensed Trade Advice
   Specialist accountants for pubs understand the unique financial challenges and regulatory requirements of the hospitality industry. We provide tailored financial advice for licensed premises, addressing the specific needs of pubs, bars, and other licensed trade businesses.
7. Accurate Accounts & Reporting
   Maintaining accurate accounts—including year-end statements, VAT returns, payroll, and stock reports—is essential for high volume licensed premises. We ensure your financial records are precise and compliant.
8. Transaction Reconciliation
   Pubs must manage a high volume of cash and card transactions, requiring rigorous reconciliation and accounting practices to maintain financial integrity.
9. Financial Forecasting & Budgeting
   Financial forecasting and budgeting are crucial for pubs to make informed business decisions and maximize profitability. Specialist accountants can assist with these services to help you plan for seasonal fluctuations and long-term growth.
10. Cloud-Based Accounting Solutions
    Utilizing cloud-based accounting software like Xero or QuickBooks, which integrates with your POS system, streamlines bookkeeping and improves financial management for pubs.
11. Fixed-Fee Packages
    Many pub specialist accountants offer fixed-fee monthly packages, giving you cost certainty and peace of mind.
12. Cost Structures & Profit Margins
    We understand the distinct cost structures and profit margins of alcohol versus food sales, helping you optimize profitability in both areas.
13. Compliance with Licensing Laws
    Compliance with licensing laws is critical for licensed premises. Failure to comply can result in significant penalties, so we help you stay up to date with all requirements.
14. Unique Accounting Obligations
    Pubs face unique accounting obligations in the licensed trade, including additional layers of compliance, tax, and reporting requirements. We ensure you meet all your obligations efficiently and effectively.

The Hospitality Industry Doesn’t Have to Face This Alone

Running a pub has never been harder. But with the right support, it’s still possible to survive, and even thrive.

At HLWA, we’re proud to support independent pub owners and hospitality businesses who are the beating heart of their communities. Our team brings years of sector experience, practical advice, and a clear plan to help you take control of your numbers and ensure financial operations run smoothly. Our clients benefit from our tailored advice and support, which helps them improve operational efficiency and make better business decisions, enhancing their overall success.

Looking for Pub Accounting Services from a Leading Provider. Let’s Talk!

If you’re worried about rising costs, business rates, or simply want to make sure you’re not missing any tax preparation, payroll management, or tax-saving opportunities, get in touch today.

Call us on 01172034577 or book a free consultation!