On Tuesday in Westminster, the TaxPayers' Alliance called for tax cuts to support Britain's pubs. We launched our new beer mats, which will be distributed in pubs across the country urging punters to sign our petition. We may have finally reached 'freedom day', but the government’s VAT reduction for the hospitality sector is coming to an end in September.
Speaking to our invited audience at the Barley Mow pub, chairman and founder of JD Wetherspoon Tim Martin was adamant that if Britain's boozers are to survive, the government must help this struggling sector.
And that's exactly why we’re calling on the government to extend the 5 per cent VAT reduction until April 2023, and include alcoholic drinks. Recent TPA analysis found that extending this cut could save the UK hospitality sector and consumers £15.7 billion across this financial year and next. In the same vein, there should be a reduction in beer duty too. As our Cut Beer Tax campaign showed, a reduction in duty leads to huge investment in the industry.
Here's a selection of photos from a fantastic campaign launch. Cheers!
Left to right: Mike Wood MP and chair of the Beer APPG, Tim Martin founder and chairman of JD Wetherspoon, Paul Howell MP and Craig Tracey MP
Keep an eye out for our new beer mats in your local pub. Don't forget to scan the QR code and sign the petition demanding a VAT cut.
Emma McClarkin CEO British Beer & Pub Association and Craig Tracey MP
Tim Martin backs the TaxPayers' Alliance campaign calling for the VAT cut to be extended.
Left to right: Jack Brereton MP, Paul Bristow MP, Will Goodhand and Tom Randall MP
If you're fed up with the high price of a pint, don't delay, help us demand a VAT cut. Sign our petition today! Thank you.