Launched earlier this month and spearheaded by celebrity chef Tom Kerridge, the campaign calls for a permanent cut to hospitality VAT to bring the UK in line with other European markets.
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It exceeded 20,000 signatures within its first 24 hours and passed 100,000 signatures within the first three days.
Next phase
Since then, the number of signatures has more than doubled, standing at just over 216,000 at the time of publication.
- Sign the petition here
The next phase of the campaign will launch on Wednesday 1 July, with trade bodies calling on all corners of the sector, from operators to customers, staff to suppliers, to help drive support.
BII CEO Steve Alton told The Morning Advertiser (The MA) the campaign presented a “unique opportunity” for the sector to continue pushing for a “fair” rate of VAT.
“[We need] to keep up the momentum of the last fortnight to ensure our collective voices are heard,” he continued.
“We need to keep sharing the call for action and make sure our sector answers that call, ensuring the message to Government is undeniable – we need to be here for the long term good of our communities and high streets, and that can only happen with fair tax for our brilliant and essential sector.”
Amazing start
Alton said reducing VAT from 20% to 10% would give businesses “breathing room” while helping keep pubs affordable, boosting both the economy and consumer confidence.
Meanwhile, UKH revealed to The MA it was preparing physical assets for operators to show support for the campaign in their venues ahead of its next phase.
A campaign toolkit is currently available on the trade body’s website here.
UKH chief executive Allen Simpson said: “We’ve seen fantastic support and momentum behind the #VATsTheProblem campaign, with more than 215,000 people signing the petition to cut hospitality VAT to 10%.
“It’s an amazing start, but there is still a long way to go to reach the target of a million signatures. I’d encourage all operators to sign the petition, share it with their teams and prepare to share it with their customers from the 1 July.”
