A leading independent retailers association has demanded equal treatment for small shops after the government announced plans to water down business rate rises for pubs.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), said independent retailers face exactly the same challenges as pubs but have been left out of discussions about additional support.
"Independent retailers are suffering the same pressures as pubs - significant increases in rateable values, low sales due to poor consumer confidence, and rising labour costs," said Mr Goodacre.
"Our business model is under real stress, and we also have to deal with online retail giants and low-value imports escaping duty."
The government is expected to announce within days that it will reduce business rate rises for pubs in England after pressure from landlords and industry groups. More than 1,000 pubs recently banned Labour MPs from their premises in protest at the increases.
Mr Goodacre said independent retailers have always been recognised alongside pubs in previous relief schemes, such as the Retail Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) relief during the pandemic.
"If there is a new deal for pubs, we want to see the same for independent retail," he added. "It would be an absolute scandal if community shops and hard-working shop owners are left to manage their own demise by this government."
The CEO warned that excluding small shops from any new relief package would send a clear message that the government does not care about independent retail or high streets.
"Perhaps independent retailers need to follow the pubs' example and start banning MPs from their premises too," said Mr Goodacre. "We need action, not warm words."
In November's Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves scaled back business rate discounts from 75% to 40%, with no discount at all from April. Combined with upward adjustments to rateable values, this has left many independent retailers facing substantially higher bills.
Bira represents over 6,000 independent retailers across the UK.