Star Pubs & Bars tenants to pay full rent from 21 June

Star Pubs & Bars has said its tenants will have to start paying rent in full from 21 June.

The pubco, which is part of Heineken and has 2,500 sites, is extending its 90% rent reduction for pubs on core leased and tenanted agreements in England from 1 March until 16 May.

Between 17 May and 20 June, when indoor trading restrictions are expected to be lifted, it will offer a 10% concession meaning 90% rent is payable by licensees.

From 21 June, which is the date the government has suggested all legal limits on social contact could be removed, licensees will return to paying rent in full.

Star Pubs said it has invested £62m in rent concessions since March 2020.

Additional reductions will be offered to pubs in Scotland and Wales once there is greater clarity around reopening dates.

Lawson Mountstevens, managing director Star Pubs & Bars at Heineken UK, said he was proud of the “resilience” of licensees but warned the government needed to act to secure the long-term sustainability of the pub industry.

He added: “We are excited about investment opportunities across the UK and have a leading role to play in helping the country’s economic recovery and supporting the government’s levelling-up agenda – but we need meaningful alcohol duty and business rates reform, as well as a long-term VAT cut on all sales across hospitality.”

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