Can I Claim Both RHL Relief and the Pubs Discount?
Learn how the RHL multiplier and pubs discount work together, who qualifies for both, and how your bill is calculated.
Yes. The pubs and live music venues 15% discount is applied on top of the RHL multiplier. They are separate reliefs and qualifying pubs receive both.
Key Facts
In Detail
Yes, qualifying pubs can receive both the RHL multiplier and the pubs and live music venues discount. These are two separate rate reductions that stack on top of each other. The RHL multiplier is the lower pence-in-the-pound rate (38.2p for 2026/27) applied to qualifying retail, hospitality, and leisure properties with a rateable value below 51,000. This is applied first when calculating your bill. The pubs and live music venues discount is a separate 15% relief introduced from April 2026, applied after the bill has been calculated using the RHL multiplier. So for a pub with an RV of 20,000, the calculation is: 20,000 x 0.382 = 7,640, then 7,640 x 0.85 = 6,494. Without these two reliefs, the same pub would pay 20,000 x 0.480 = 9,600 at the standard rate. That is a total saving of 3,106 per year. The pubs discount is not automatic. You must apply to your local authority. The RHL multiplier should be applied automatically.
How the Calculation Works
Step 1: Your rateable value is multiplied by the RHL multiplier (38.2p). Step 2: The pubs and live music venues 15% discount is applied to the result. Step 3: Any other applicable reliefs (such as SBRR or charitable relief) are applied. The order of application matters and your local authority handles the calculation, but the net effect is that qualifying pubs pay significantly less than the standard rate.
Who Qualifies for Both
To get both reliefs, your property must: (1) be used primarily as a pub, bar, or live music venue, (2) have a rateable value below 51,000 (for the RHL multiplier), and (3) be open to the public. Restaurants, hotels, and nightclubs generally qualify for the RHL multiplier but not the pubs discount unless they meet the primary-use test as a pub or music venue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I also claim SBRR on top of both reliefs?
If your property qualifies for SBRR (RV under 15,000, only commercial property), the council will apply whichever combination gives you the greatest benefit. For very small pubs, SBRR at 100% (paying nothing) may be better than the RHL multiplier plus pubs discount.
How do I apply for the pubs discount?
Contact your local council business rates team. Most have an application form on their website. You will need to confirm the primary use of your premises and that it meets the eligibility criteria.
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