Wetherspoons boss Tim Martin has warned that British pubs face widespread closures unless the Government reforms what he describes as an unfair tax system favouring supermarkets. Sir Tim Martin, chairman and chief executive of JD Wetherspoons, said that traditional pubs are at a competitive disadvantage due to higher taxes on food and drink. He called on the pub industry to unite and support a reduction in VAT.

He said: “Supermarka reduction in business rates, as for a pint sold, supermarkets pay much lower ratesmuch lower business rates per pint.” He also called for the reduction of business rates because for a pint sold, they are also much lower for supermarkets, widening the price gap and encouraging consumers to buy alcohol for home consumption.

He told GB News: “In effect, what’s happening now is that the Government is subsidising people to drink at home.”

Sir Tim raised concerns about high energy costs, which he described as the highest in the world and a factor pushing businesses abroad, warning that rising prices make everyone poorer.

He said: “I think now the real big issue confronting the UK is the fact that we’ve got the highest energy charges in the whole world.”

He drew parallels with the 1970s, warning that rising energy prices make everyone poorer as costs are passed on to every product and service.

The consequences of the current system, he said, have been severe, with pubs losing half their beer sales since 2000. However, he added that his criticism was not aimed at supermarkets, but at creating a level playing field.

Sir Tim also deemed a recent proposal from the pub chain Greene King regarding business rates overly complicated, instead calling simply for reduced rates for pubs.

Reforming taxes, he argued, could actually boost Treasury revenues, given pubs’ contribution to jobs and tax income.