VAT petition storms past quarter of a million signatures

The campaign, spearheaded by chef, publican and restaurateur Tom Kerridge, is calling for the Government to reduce hospitality VAT from 20% to 10%.

It has now reached 250,057 signatures, following the launch of its consumer push yesterday (1 July).

The campaign is backed by UKHospitality, the British Beer and Pub Association, the British Institute of Innkeeping and CODE Hospitality.

Consumer push

It is calling on pubs, restaurants, cafés, hotels, nightclubs and wider hospitality venues to encourage customers to sign the petition and support a lower VAT rate.

The campaign argues the UK’s 20% VAT rate places hospitality at a disadvantage compared with other European markets, including France, Spain and Italy, where supporters said hospitality VAT is 10%, and Germany, where it is 7%.

The campaign is also highlighting the Republic of Ireland’s move to reduce hospitality VAT to 9%, arguing the change increases pressure on UK operators, particularly those in Northern Ireland, where the standard hospitality VAT rate remains 20%.

Campaign materials

Operators are being encouraged to use campaign materials in venues, including posters, cards, beer mats and digital assets, to direct customers to the petition.

The milestone follows a launch event at Kerridge’s Bar and Grill at the Corinthia Hotel, London, where Kerridge was joined by industry figures including Greene King chief executive Nick Mackenzie and chef patron Paul Ainsworth.

Kerridge told The Morning Advertiser (MA) a VAT cut would provide a “release of pressure” for hospitality businesses and help them survive.

Mackenzie said the sector could create jobs quickly if given the right conditions, while Ainsworth said the campaign was about helping businesses survive, invest and employ.

The campaign is targeting 1m signatures.

• Sign the campaign here
• Access asset shop here