Hospitality businesses across the UK have united behind a major new campaign calling on the Government to reduce VAT for hospitality from 20% to 10%.

The campaign, #VATsTheProblem, is spearheaded by chef, restaurateur and publican Tom Kerridge and is backed by organisations from across the hospitality sector, including  British Beer & Pub Association,  British Institute of Innkeeping and  CODE Hospitality.

The campaign argues that hospitality businesses are facing increasing financial pressures and that a reduction in VAT would provide much-needed support to pubs, restaurants, cafés, hotels and visitor attractions, while helping customers and local economies.

Why Hospitality Businesses Are Supporting the Campaign

Campaign organisers believe VAT is one of the most significant costs affecting hospitality businesses and that a reduction to 10% would:

• Help businesses remain viable
• Support jobs and skills across the sector
• Encourage investment in local communities
• Boost high streets and town centres
• Help keep prices more affordable for customers
• Strengthen supply chains including farmers, producers, brewers and suppliers

The campaign highlights that hospitality plays a vital role in local economies, supporting employment and attracting visitors to destinations across the UK.

A Campaign for the Whole Hospitality Sector

Supporters say the campaign is not only for business owners but for everyone connected to hospitality, including:

• Hotel and accommodation providers
• Restaurants, cafés and pubs
• Waiting and bar staff
• Chefs and kitchen teams
• Visitor attractions
• Farmers and food producers
• Brewers and drinks suppliers
• Customers who value local hospitality businesses

Sign the Petition

The campaign is aiming to secure one million signatures to demonstrate the importance of hospitality to the UK economy and encourage Government action.

Businesses and members of the public can find out more and sign the petition here:

VATsTheProblem Campaign and Petition