Furious pub landlords threaten to go on strike over cash grab budget

Furious pub owners are threatening to go on strike over what they see as crippling tax hikes that could push thousands of pubs to the brink. Plans being discussed include coordinated strike action, delayed opening hours and even symbolic protests such as ringing pub bells for several minutes straight, as the trade looks to vent its anger after the latest Budget. Some landlords want to abandon the traditional 11am opening time in a show of defiance aimed squarely at Rachel Reeves, while others say the industry is heading towards a full-scale day of industrial action early next year.