The landlord of a family-run pub has warned that half of St Albans’ drinking establishments could be forced to close by an imminent rise in business rates.

Sean Hughes, 35, who manages both The Boot and The Kings Arms in the city, is worried that the sharp increase in business rates will lead to pub closures, job losses and a rise in the price of a pint.

“There have been a lot of closures in the last year and this is only going to make it worse. We could lose 50 per cent of our pubs over the next five years – that’s just crazy,” he said.

“I think what will happen is some people just won’t be able to afford to run their pub anymore. If you lose 50 per cent of your profit, what’s the point doing it?

“We’re in danger of having chain companies coming in and taking over. It’s going to change things massively, limiting the independence of pubs.”

Pubs across England and Wales face an upturn in business rates over the next five years, with a revaluation – the first in seven years – due to take effect in April.

However Mr Hughes said the way the new rates will be calculated is deeply flawed, with the rate The Boot currently pays rising by 280 per cent over five years to £103,000.

“Most pubs in the area will see their business rates double at least. The way it is being worked out is ridiculous - there must be a different way,” he said.

“There will be an average increase of round £15,000 a year per pub. In St Albans alone, around 40 full time members of staff will probably end up losing their jobs over the next few years.”

Along with other local publicans, Mr Hughes is planning to campaign against the damaging hike, and will be bringing the issue before a meeting of the St Albans Pubwatch on January 23.

He said: “All the pubs in St Albans are going to campaign against this. CAMRA (The Campaign for Real Ale) has been really supportive too.

“We can’t appeal or do anything until April 5 but we are not going to sit back and do nothing about it.”

With the uncertainty surrounding Brexit combined with a rise in the minimum wage over the next few years, Mr Hughes says pubs in St Albans are facing a challenging future.

Colm O’Callaghan, chief finance officer at St Albans City and District Council, said business rates are set by central Government and are therefore out of the council's control.

“Some publicans in the district have raised concerns about the changes and we discussed the issue with them," he added.

“Pubs play a very important role in communities across the district and are of great benefit to the local economy. We are always ready to listen to their concerns and provide support where we can.”