7. Pubs and licensed trade
In England and Wales, the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) works out your rateable value based on the annual level of trade (excluding VAT) that a pub is expected to achieve if operated in a reasonably efficient way. This is called ‘fair maintainable trade’ and it’s based on:
- the type of pub or licensed premises
- the area it’s in
- the services it offers, eg food, gaming or sports screenings
The VOA also looks at rents and turnovers to work out the fair maintainable trade figure, then applies a percentage to work out the rateable value.
The percentages are agreed with the British Beer and Pub Association and they’re in the VOA’s 2010 pub guide.
You can read more about how the VOA values pubs and other licensed premises for business rates.
Contact the VOA if you want to check the figures they’re using or don’t agree with the figures being used.
You’ll need to provide details of turnover (excluding VAT) for all sources, such as liquor, food and gaming.
VOA
Telephone (England): 03000 501 501
Telephone (Wales): 03000 505 505
Find out about call charges
Scotland
In Scotland, your local assessor works out your rateable value.
If you want to check the figures they’re using or don’t agree with the figures being used, contact your local assessor.
