Bristol hoteliers hope the announcement of a business rate cut for some hospitality businesses is just for starters – because it only ‘scratches the surface’ of what is needed.
New Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced this week that pubs, clubs and live music venues will get a 20% cut in business rates from April. It’s estimated this would save a typical pub around £1,100 a year but the announcement offered nothing for cafes, restaurants or hotels.
Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge has been at the forefront of a campaign calling for a cut in VAT for all hospitality businesses, from the current 20% to 10%. He said the measures announced today do not go far enough and will not make much difference but said it does suggest that the government is beginning to listen and recognises the importance of the hospitality industry to many communities.
His views are echoed by the Bristol Hoteliers Association (BHA). Chair Adam Flint said: “The business rates reduction is an encouraging move from Mr Burnham so soon into his time as Prime Minister, but in reality, it barely scratches the surface of what is needed.
“What will make a real, positive, difference is to cut the rate of VAT, something the sector has been calling for ever since the rate returned to 20% post-pandemic. This would enable the whole of the hospitality industry to benefit, including hotels. The past few years have been tough for all of us, not just the pubs, clubs and live music venues.
“Increases to National Insurance contributions, the minimum wage, supplier costs, energy costs, the fall-out from the conflict in the Middle East, and food & beverage inflation have all had an impact. While we cannot control rising costs in a lot of areas, one thing for sure is a reduction in VAT will encourage consumer sales and bring prices down to a more reasonable level, as many other countries in Europe operate with right now.
“We hope that the “VAT’s The Problem” campaign, spearheaded by Tom Kerridge, will continue and that Mr Burnham and his cabinet listen and respond, for the benefit of all our businesses.”
To find out more about the Bristol Hoteliers Association, visit: www.bristol-hoteliers.co.uk.
