The #VATsTheProblem campaign has passed 320k signatures in a bid to convince the Government there is a dire need to reduce VAT for UK hospitality from 20% down to 10%.
Kerridge met with staff and customers at JDW site the Grand Assembly in Marlow, Buckinghamshire – where the Michelin-starred chef runs the Hand & Flowers and also the Coach gastropubs – to highlight the campaign
The movement complements JDW’s long-term campaign to reduce the level of VAT in the hospitality industry as well.
Influential figure
JDW founder and chairman Tim Martin said: “I am delighted Tom took the time to visit our pub in Marlow and highlight the VAT campaign.
“He is an influential figure in the hospitality industry and I am delighted that he is supporting the campaign.
“A reduction in the level of VAT on a long-term basis will generate growth and create jobs in the important hospitality sector and help the high street, of which pubs are an integral part.”
Kerridge, who began the campaign in June, added: “It is a huge boost to the campaign that such a wide-reaching and significant company like Wetherspoon has joined the #VATsTheProblem ranks.
Affecting everyone involved
“Hospitality is so wide ranging and the issues that push on it are affecting everyone involved, from hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, clubs and pubs.
“The more we talk about the problem, the more pressure we can put on the Government to hear our voices.
“Thank you to all the colleagues and teams that are getting behind the campaign.”
Meanwhile, founder and operator of north-west-based Cheshire Cat Pubs & Inns pubco Tim Bird recently wrote about his bemusement that the #VATsTheProblem campaign from Kerridge, who has circa 1.5m followers on social media, has taken just over two months to gather signatures 300k signatures.
He demanded more encouragement for the drive and insisted the reduction in VAT to 10% would transform the sector.
- Operators can sign the petition here
- Campaign assets can be downloaded here
