The boss of one of the UK's biggest pub chains has slammed Chancellor Rachel Reeves for carrying out "unprecedented interference" on the sector amid widespread pub closures.
Simon Emeny, the executive chairman of Fuller, Smith and Turner, has launched a scathing attack on the Labour government, accusing ministers of subjecting the pub industry to excessive taxation and regulatory burdens.
The pub boss holds these policies responsible for the closure of 5,800 pubs across Britain over the past decade.
He said: "When I reflect on the changes seen in our sector over the past 10 years, it has been a period of unprecedented government interference, additional taxes and regulations."
The Chancellor is under fire from the pub sector once again
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Mr Emeny directed particular criticism at increases to business rates, national insurance contributions and alcohol duty imposed by the Government.
The Fuller's chairman also targeted Labour's apprenticeship levy, the Extended Producer Responsibility packaging tax, green energy levies, the sugar tax and a proposed holiday levy in his criticism.
Employment legislation drew particular ire from Mr Emeny, who argued that government proposals to restrict flexible working arrangements and collective redundancy procedures under the Employment Rights Act would impose additional costs and administrative burdens on businesses.
Pub Landlord Marc Bridgen previously claimed Labour is 'killing the industry' of pubs in Britain
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Rachel Reeves is set to smack landlords with a 'nice pub tax' on some of Britain's most beloved country inns | GETTY He warned that pubs, "that are famed for delivering part-time jobs for both younger and older workers, to rethink their hiring strategy" as a result of these new rules.
Mr Emeny called on ministers to reassess the tax burden facing hospitality, a sector employing 3.6 million people and generating £96billion for the economy.
The pub group's criticism came as it reported a 13 per cent fall in pre-tax profits to £29.5million for the year ending in March, even as turnover climbed six per cent to reach £398million.
Fuller's disclosed that its tax burden had risen to £8million during the period, though the company said it had offset some of the impact of elevated employment costs through improved labour efficiency.
He said each Fuller’s pub pays around £600,000 a year in taxes | GETTYDespite the profit decline, the chain recorded encouraging like-for-like sales growth across its managed pubs, with drinks sales up 5.8 per cent, accommodation rising 4.9 per cent and food increasing 3.5 per cent.
The company is pressing ahead with a £30million investment programme in its estate, having recently finished upgrades worth more than a £1million at properties in Tower Hill and Waterloo.
Looking ahead to the summer trading period, Mr Emeny expressed confidence that preparations were progressing well, with garden improvements creating additional capacity for busy periods.
He added: "Advance bookings for the World Cup have been strong, and we are seeing increased demand for staycations benefiting our excellent rooms business."