The Conservative Party claim guidance for tax inspectors reveals plans to impose higher business rates on pubs that back activities like quizzes and darts. The plans from the Valuation Office Agency, a division of the Inland Revenue, will be finalised in 2009 and take effect in 2010.

Guidance on calculating rates for pubs advises inspectors to record whether the pub appears “friendly and popular”. They must also log pool and darts facilities along with details of beer gardens, play areas, bowling greens, TV facilities, quiz nights and football teams.

As this information will be used to calculate the value of the property and any pub with these features will be penalised, says the Conservative Party. At present business rates are 44% of the rateable value of the property.

Source: Daily Star 15.10.07 , hmmm!