Embattled Shropshire licensee calls for pubs to unite behind VAT-cut campaign

Brian Jervis, who runs the Cider House in Quatt with wife Katherine, said the current VAT rate of 20%, coupled with business rates, was “killing” his business.

Jervis argued that a VAT reduction would free up vital cash to make much-needed renovations to his pub.

“My VAT bill for 2012 was £37,300. With just half of that back, I could have repainted the pub, bought new garden furniture and resurfaced the car park.

“The pub will look like a pigsty if it goes on like this.”

In addition, Jervis said business rates “had gone through the roof” in the 30 years he has been running the freehouse, which specialises in cider and doesn’t sell beer.

“We’ve increased turnover considerably in the time been here, and the way business rates are linked to performance is a complete disincentive for anybody to work hard.”

Jervis added: “Despite being out in the country and getting little benefit from it, we’re now paying nearly £400 per week.”

He claimed that JD Wetherspoon boss Tim Martin was right to champion a VAT cut, adding that tax campaigner Jacques Borel had already proved in France that cutting VAT boosts industry.

“It’s time that pubs got behind Martin and Borel, and started campaigning for a reduction.

“Winston Churchill once said that a nation trying to tax itself into prosperity is like ‘a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle’. In other words, it’s impossible.”