PUBS and hospitality bosses have called for the Chancellor to divert £585million handed back by Tesco in Covid rate reliefs to them.
Tesco had saved the cash in a tax break during the crisis, but said it would return it after its business had proven “resilient”.
The Society of Independent Brewers said the money could provide £14,000 each to struggling boozers.
Tory MP Ben Bradley said: “No need for taxpayer subsidies when your business is doing better than ever.
“Hope Rishi Sunak will consider giving the money to those who have so far missed out on support.”
James Calder, of the SIBA added: “Supermarkets have thrived during this crisis, but the UK’s pubs and brewers, which are core to their communities, have been left behind.
The Government should use the money wisely to give us a chance to see in the New Year.”
Last night, Morrisons bowed to pressure and said it would now pay £274million in saved business rates.
