Pubs, cafes and restaurants in Lancaster and Morecambe have backed a campaign to reduce VAT to help struggling businesses.
The campaign 'VATs the Problem' was launched by a group including TV chef Tom Kerridge, and an online petition has been signed by more than 261,000 people.
They have called for hospitality VAT to be cut from 20 per cent to 10 per cent, and this is being backed by businesses across our District.
"As many of you know, independent cafés, pubs, restaurants and hotels are facing some of the toughest trading conditions we've ever seen," said a post on The Salty Bean Coffee House in Morecambe's Facebook page this week.
"Rising costs, increasing bills and one of the highest hospitality VAT rates in Europe are putting huge pressure on businesses like ours. That's why we're asking for your support.
"Please take just a minute to sign the VAT's The Problem petition calling for hospitality VAT to be reduced from 20% to 10%. The campaign argues that this would help protect local businesses, support jobs and keep our high streets alive.
"Every single signature makes a difference. Whether you're one of our amazing regulars, another small business owner, or simply someone who wants to see independent hospitality thrive, we'd be incredibly grateful for your support.
"Thank you for always supporting The Salty Bean. Together, we can help protect the places that bring our communities together."
Becky West from The Salty Bean
A post on The Quarterhouse in Lancaster's Facebook page said: "We need your help. Please sign the petition.
"This isn't just about us, it's about saving all of the brilliant restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars that are on the brink of going under."
Alan Hempton from The Quarterhouse, based on Moor Lane in Lancaster, also posted a video on the page explaining the difficulties being faced by his, and other hospitality businesses.
"It's pretty much impossible for an independent restaurant to make a profit," said Mr Hempton.
"It's not sustainable and we need a change.
"We need a VAT cut otherwise not a single independent restaurant you enjoy going to, will exist in two years' time."
Alan Hempton
A post on the Morecambe's Palatine pub Facebook page in June said: "Did you know that a whopping 20 per cent of every pound you spend with us goes straight to the government for VAT, and that is before the many other costs such as stock, staff, rates, utilities, maintenance, etc. are taken into account.
"You might have seen celebrity chef Tom Kerridge’s VAT’s The Problem campaign calling for a reduction in VAT on hospitality from 20 per cent to 10 per cent.
"It's a challenging time for hospitality businesses at the moment and reducing VAT would help to protect jobs, support local high streets and keep independent venues like ours trading.
"A lower VAT rate for independent hospitality businesses could make a real difference at a time when some are simply fighting to survive."
Chris and Lee Taylor-Hone from The Palatine
The VAT's the Problem website says: "The majority of European countries know how important hospitality is to society, and they know it pays too much tax.
"That’s why they support it with lower VAT rates. The UK deserves the same.
"By standing together and signing the petition, we can help protect jobs, support local businesses and secure a stronger future hospitality.
"Do you want to back your favourite venue, help your high street and support local jobs? Then sign our petition to lower the rate of VAT for hospitality to 10 per cent.
"Our pubs, restaurants, cafes, hotels, nightclubs and many more, are at the heart of our communities.
"They bring people together and bring life to our cities, towns and villages, but they're under huge pressure from rising costs.
"In the UK, you pay one of the highest VAT rates in Europe. 20 per cent extra in VAT for your meal out or stay away. In France, Spain and Italy, it's 10%. In Germany? 7 per cent.
"Our message to Government is simple. Let's stand together to say VAT at 10 per cent is fair for hospitality."
An HM Treasury spokesperson said: “We have the right economic plan - we're backing hospitality by cutting VAT on family attractions and kids meals this summer, reforming business rates, with a £4.3bn support package to limit bills rises, capping Corporation Tax at 25%, extending World Cup opening hours, and taking action on the cost of living to boost the sector."
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