Cafe owners frustrated over exclusion from business rates cut
7 reported
A business rates cut announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham will exclude cafes and restaurants, according to a report by The Guardian. The targeted package, worth roughly £100 million a year, will only support pubs, social clubs, and live music venues across England, taking effect from next April. Ferdinand Geus, business manager of Sheba Coffee, which supplies Yemeni coffee beans to independent cafes globally, said the cut would have saved a typical pub an estimated £1,100 next year and could have helped his business grow. Hakan Elbir, founder of the deaf-run Dialogue Cafe at the University of East London, said the incentive to competitors will affect his business negatively, as customers may prefer pubs for hot drinks due to lower prices. Both cafe owners expressed frustration, arguing that independent cafes face similar commercial pressures and serve as important community hubs.
What’s reported
Andy Burnham’s 20% cut to business rates bills will only support pubs, social clubs, and live music venues across England.
The targeted package is worth roughly £100 million a year and takes effect from next April.
A typical pub is estimated to save £1,100 next year from the cut.
Ferdinand Geus said Sheba Coffee supplies Yemeni coffee beans to independent cafes across five continents, including the UK.
Geus stated that around 3,000 small, family-owned farms in Yemen rely on his business.
Hakan Elbir founded Dialogue Cafe, a deaf-run social enterprise at the University of East London that supports deaf and hard of hearing baristas.
Elbir said his cafe has an alcohol licence but customers predominantly prefer coffee or tea.
Key figures
Ferdinand Geus, business manager of Sheba Coffee
Andy Burnham, Prime Minister
Hakan Elbir, founder of Dialogue Cafe
Sources: The Guardian
