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Bin collections

Due to the high temperatures, our bin crews will be starting collections earlier than usual to help keep them safe in the heat. Please make sure your bins are out the night before, as collections will take place from 6.00am for the rest of the week. Thank you for helping our crews work safely during the hot weather.

Pubs and live music venues relief

We are granting discretionary assistance for pubs and live music venues.

We are granting discretionary relief for pubs and live music venues in accordance with Government guidance. (opens new window)

Which properties can receive relief?

Occupied properties that are used wholly or mainly as:

  • a pub, or
  • a live music venue

A pub is a property that meets all the following criteria:

  • is open to the general public
  • allows free entry other than when occasional entertainment is provided
  • allows drinking without requiring food to be consumed
  • permits drinks to be purchased at a bar

The following are not pubs for this reduction:

  • restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, snack bars
  • hotels, guesthouses, boarding houses
  • sporting venues
  • festival sites, theatres, cinemas
  • museums, exhibition halls
  • casinos

A live music venue is a property that:

  • is wholly or mainly used for the performance of live music for the purpose of entertaining an audience
  • can be used for other activities, but only if those other activities:
    • are ancillary or incidental to the performance of live music.  For example the sale of food or drink to audience members.
    • do not affect the primary use of the premises for the performance of live music

A property is not a live music venue for this reduction if it is wholly or mainly used as a nightclub or a theatre, for the purposes of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended).

How much relief is available?

A 15% reduction.  There is no cap on the amount.

How we calculate the relief?

We calculate rate relief in this order:

1. Improvement Relief

2. Transitional Relief

3. Other mandatory Reliefs (as determined in legislation)

4. Section 47 Discretionary Relief in the following order:

  • 2026 Supporting Small Business (SSB)
  • discretionary relief to charities, CASCs and not for profit organisations
  • other centrally funded discretionary reliefs
  • 2026/27 pubs and live music venues relief scheme
  • other locally funded scheme

Subsidy Control

The relief is a subsidy, however:

  • There is no cap on the value of a business rates relief award we make under this Scheme.  
  • Awards do not constitute nor count towards "Minimal Financial Assistance" (MFA).

Read more about Subsidy control

How do I apply?

If we haven't applied the reduction, and you think you qualify, please email Brates@guildford.gov.uk to tell us why. 
Please include your account reference in your email.