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An £8 million support package has been announced for pubs, bars, restaurants, cafes, and live music venues across Wales.

Around 4,400 businesses in the hospitality sector will be eligible for 15% rates relief during 2026/27, the Welsh Government has announced.

The funding adds to existing support measures, with more than half of pubs in Wales currently receiving small business rates relief, while a quarter pay no rates at all.

The Welsh Government’s permanent reliefs are worth £250 million every year.

From April, the multiplier used to work out rates bills will also be reduced for the first time since 2010, and £116 million in transitional relief is being provided over two years to help businesses adjust to the revaluation.

Wales’ finance secretary, Mark Drakeford, said: “Pubs, restaurants, cafes, bars, and live music venues are at the heart of communities across Wales. We know they are facing real pressures, from rising costs to changing consumer habits.

“We have extended this relief to restaurants and cafes, as well as pubs and live music venues, because in towns and high streets across Wales these businesses operate side by side, often in direct competition. It makes sense to support them equally.

The former First Minister added: “This builds on more than £1 billion in temporary rates relief we have provided since 2020, alongside our permanent reliefs worth £250 million every year.

“We will continue to stand behind the hospitality businesses that serve our communities.”

Eligible businesses can apply for the relief through their local authority from April.