Is it true that Businesses in the retail, hospitality sectors in England will not pay rate

mariogol

Although I took over the premises in January this year and had obtained premises license in 2019, but I was refused not only the grant but also reduction in rate until now that I have given the council the proof of trading since 1st April selling beverages to the public and therefore managed to obtain the Small Business Rate Relief. Therefore my rate reduced from £7,110.75 to £5,334.40. ( the ratable value is £14,250)

Since I am a retailer and my business is also in the entertainment/leisure industry, I am entitled to nil rate as per government support for businesses in retail, restaurants and leisure industry?

I have taken the following from government website "Businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors in England will not have to pay business rates for the 2020 to 2021 tax year"

Jeremy535897

The nil rates applies to 2020/21, as you say. Detail at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-your-retail-hospitality-or-leisure-business-is-eligible-for-business-rates-relief-due-to-coronavirus-covid-19

Did you get the £10,000 grant?

Grumpy_chap

The grant requires the business to be eligible to SBRR at 11th March.  OP did not start trading until 1st April.  Maybe that is why they were not able to get the grant.

Jeremy535897

Grumpy_chap said:

The grant requires the business to be eligible to SBRR at 11th March.  OP did not start trading until 1st April.  Maybe that is why they were not able to get the grant.

Yes, I was thinking OP meant 1 April 2019, but if it was 1 April 2020 you are right.

Grumpy_chap

Ah yes, I see how you have read the OP's post different to me - there is an inconsistency in the dates put down.

• took over the premises in January this year 
• obtained premises license in 2019, 
• proof of trading since 1st April 

Getting the correct years is critical to understanding the eligibility.  Is it even possible to get the license in 2019 if the premises were only taken over in January this year (2020)?  Maybe all the dates mean 2019.  

This needs the OP to clarify.

mariogol

As I was going to take over the premises I started preparations in 2019 hence obtained premises license. Took over in January this year but when I applied for the grant they said on 11 March you were not trading therefore considered my premises as unoccupied and refused grant. I argued that the premises was beneficially occupied but they did not accept it.
Regarding the rate, the government website does not mention 11 March for eligibility not paying rate in 2020/21. 

Jeremy535897

Yes, the small business grant only applies if you were running a business at the time. If you were trading in the retail hospitality or leisure sector by 1 April 2020, your rates for 2020/21 should be nil.