Pubs warn of closure risk after alcohol VAT cut exemption

Firms heartbroken' as alcohol sales are excluded from tax relief in summer statement

Thousands of local pubs are at risk of closure after alcohol was excluded from government measures aimed at stimulating the hospitality and leisure sectors across the UK, the industry has warned.

Restaurants, cafes, hotels and attractions such as zoos and cinemas all stand to gain from a six-month cut in VAT from 20% to 5%, which the government said would cost 4.1bn and help 150,000 businesses. The reduction in sales tax will apply to food, accommodation and attractions.

Related: Summer statement 2020: the chancellor's key points at a glance

Pretty disappointing nothing for wet led pubs today. Anyone else think so?