Launched earlier this year, the campaign is calling on the Government to reduce VAT for hospitality from 20% to 10% in a bid to ease mounting pressure on the sector, protect jobs and prevent further closures.
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The submission marked a significant milestone for the campaign, spearheaded by celebrity chef and pub operator Tom Kerridge.
Kerridge delivered the petition alongside industry leaders including UKHospitality (UKH) chief executive Allen Simpson, British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) CEO Emma McClarkin and British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) CEO Steve Alton.
Thriving high streets
Campaigners hope the petition will reinforce calls for fairer taxation and build on the Prime Minister’s support for hospitality ahead of the autumn Budget in two weeks.
- Sign the petition here
Kerridge said: “The support we have seen from both the public and hospitality for the #VATsTheProblem campaign has been enormous, and it was important that we delivered our petition to 10 Downing Street before the Budget.
“More than 400,000 people have backed 10% hospitality VAT because they know that their pubs, restaurants, cafes, bars and hotels on the high street need this.
“We all want to turn closures into openings, lost jobs into new jobs and shuttered shops into thriving high streets. A VAT cut for hospitality delivers that.”
The movement will continue pushing for VAT cuts ahead of the Budget, with operators urged to sign and share the petition, and promote it using materials available from the campaign’s online shop.
Growing support
Kerridge added: “The petition so far has been delivered to Downing Street but our campaign for a lower rate of hospitality VAT continues, so keep signing the petition, telling your guests and customers to do the same, and keep spreading the word.”
The petition surpassed the 400,000 signature milestone earlier this week, standing at 403,167 at the time of publication, with backing from UKH and JD Wetherspoon (JDW) boss Sir Tim Martin.
Last month, the Scottish Government and SNP also backed the campaign, following pressure from more than 100 Scottish chefs and operators.
Meanwhile, Northamptonshire pub group Greedy Gordons demonstrated its support this summer by unveiling campaign-branded staff uniforms.
