Many pubs and bars in Watford could be forced to lay off staff or increase the price of a pint in the face of sharply increasing business rates, according to one pub landlord.

Calculations on the government website show a few town centre pubs are in line for massive increases in their rateable values, such as Colombia Press on The Parade which is due to rise from £95,000 a year to an estimated £165,000.

Performing arts theatre Jongleurs, also on The Parade, is projected to pay £322,500 in business rates in the coming year, nearly double the £189,000 it paid in 2016.

READ MORE: MP defends controversial business rates revaluation

Michael Duffy, who has been the publican at The Three Crowns in Bushey for nearly 17 years, said the effects will be far reaching if the increases go ahead as planned in April.

“The knock on effect goes on all the way down the line. Businesses are going to examine all costs, including staff,” he said.

“The present system is flawed, pubs are assessed on turnover, not profitability. So a pub that works hard for its customers and increases its turnover ends up paying more in business rates. However part of that increase in turnover comes from running good value promotions.

“Success equals failure. The more you take, the more you pay. Local authorities are sitting on their hands refusing to do anything.”

Mr Duffy, who is campaigning against the changes as part of a local pub watch group, says it would be more logical to base business rates on corporation tax.

However south west Hertfordshire MP David Gauke recently defended the controversial business rates revaluation despite concerns that the shake-up could lead to firms closing and staff being laid off.

Mr Gauke said the out-of-date rates needed to brought in line with property values, and that three in four businesses would not see an increase in their tax bill.

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