Responding to industry leaders’ calls on Government to cut VAT following Rishi Sunak’s speech to the CBI, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association Emma McClarkin said:
“We strongly support the call for a cut to VAT, particularly for the hospitality sector. This is something we’ve been calling for as part of the Long Live the Local campaign to turbo charge the recovery and save pubs across the country from permanent closure.
“This is a make-or-break moment for our industry as we emerge from the pandemic, but with costs of everything from energy to food and drink soaring around us, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for businesses to get back on their feet. We need the Government to take action to save businesses before it’s too late.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
About the British Beer & Pub Association
The BBPA represents companies in the UK which between them brew over 90% of the beer sold in the UK and own 20,000 pubs. Our members include international companies, family brewers, managed locals, and the nation’s largest tenanted pub estates.
· The UK’s beer and pub industry supports close to 940,000 jobs
· The industry adds £26.2billion to the UK’s economy each year
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About Long Live the Local
Long Live The Local is campaigning for the reform of three taxes:
- An extension in the current lower level of VAT for food and beverages sold in pubs with a view to making this permanent
- An overall reduction in beer duty and alcohol duty reforms that support British pubs and beer as a lower strength product
- Lower business rates for pubs equitable to other similar businesses
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Press release from BBPA
For more information or to arrange an interview contact Jessie Powell at jpowell@beerandpub.com / 07772245620