Why Publicans Must Speak Out on Machine Games Duty

British pubs are under (yet another!) threat—and it’s time to speak out.

At the Pubs Advisory Service, we’ve heard from Adam Jenkins of TVC Leisure, who is deeply concerned about the potential huge increase in the Autumn Budget in Machine Games Duty (MGD). For many, this isn’t going to be another tax—it’s a tipping point. A rise in MGD could make many businesses unviable, especially for publicans operating under lease or tenancy agreements where rent is calculated based on a mix of machine income alongside any food and drink sales.

What’s worse? These rental agreements often lock in rent for up to five years, with no mechanism to adjust rent if MGD increases. That means tenants would absorb the full impact, while pub companies, breweries, and landlords remain unaffected, forcing their tenants to continue paying inflated rents. It’s a structural flaw that could lead to closures across the sector.

To help publicans raise their voices, we’ve created a free template letter that you can send to your MP or the minister. It outlines the risks, the unfairness, and the urgent need for government intervention. Make no mistake, the threat is real, hundreds of MPs are pushing for this increase, and pub businesses need to act and act fast as the budget is on 26th Nov 2025.

📄 Download the letter template here: MP Letter

🎙️ And to bring this issue to life, we’ve released a new episode of our Speak Out Podcast, featuring an interview with Adam from TVC Leisure, where we discuss the issues in detail.

Let’s make sure the voices of publicans are heard loud and clear in Westminster. Share the letter. Share the podcast. And speak out before it’s too late.

🔊 Listen now: Speak Out Podcast on YouTube
📬 Subscribe for resources and support: pubs.expert/register