VAT
In January 2011 the Government introduced an increased VAT rate of 20 per cent, rocking the hospitality industry which was already struggling to cope with the effects of the recession. Now the industry is fighting back and calling for a reduced rate for restaurants, pubs and hotels of 5 per cent to bring it more into line with its EU neighbours.
Hospitality industry steps up calls for VAT cut to boost business and jobs
The British Hospitality Association (BHA) has revealed results of a new survey which show an overwhelming majority of operators support calls for a VAT cut.
Hospitality industry unites to support VAT cut for tourism
The British Hospitality Association, Travelodge and Whitbread are among a number of leading hospitality businesses and industry bodies that have united to urge the Government to slash the rate of VAT for the tourism sector to five per cent.
Family Brewers joins Jacques Borel's 5% VAT club
The Independent Family Brewers of Britain has pledged £240k of funding to support Jacques Borel’s campaign to reduce the VAT charged in pubs on drink, food and accommodation to five per cent.
Two Edinburgh restaurateurs detained by HMRC in tax raids
Two restaurateurs from Edinburgh have been detained by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) on suspicion of failing to pay tax, as part of the on-going taskforce operation targeting restaurants across Scotland.
VAT, slow visa applications and red tape are main obstacles to industry growth
The UK's high level of VAT, the slow processing of visa applications and Government red tape are the three major obstacles to growth in the hospitality industry, according to the British Hospitality Association's (BHA) chairman Christopher Davy.
BBPA reveals more bad news for UK pubs
UK pub beer sales are down 4.3 per cent in the third quarter from the same period last year, according to the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).
Hospitality has potential to re-balance economy, BHA report finds
The hospitality industry now accounts for eight per cent of the nation’s jobs, offering a financial clout strong enough to help re-balance the economy, according to a report from the British Hospitality Association (BHA).
London restaurant price hikes ‘highest in 21 years’
London restaurant prices have soared by 11 per cent over the past year – driving the average cost of a meal for two in the capital up to £90.
Sign official petition to cut VAT to 5%
An official petition has been lodged with the Government calling for a reduction in VAT to 5 per cent for the hospitality industry.
Campaign to cut VAT continues despite rejection from Treasury
A campaign which aims to reduce VAT to 5 per cent for the hospitality industry has vowed to continue despite claims from the Treasury that there is no 'compelling evidence' for the cut.
Labour calls for VAT cut
The Labour Party has called for a temporary cut in VAT to 17.5 per cent as it embarks on a campaign to rejuvenate Britain’s high streets.
FSB calls for 5% VAT for hospitality businesses
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is urging the government to temporarily lower VAT for the tourism sector in order to give businesses the chance to stimulate economic growth in a time of low consumer confidence.
Reduced VAT ‘not a fantasy’, claims Luke Johnson
Serial investor Luke Johnson has claimed a reduction in VAT for the hospitality industry is not a ‘fantasy’, and has urged the UK’s larger chains to put pressure on MPs.
VAT cut like Ireland would create hospitality jobs, says BBPA
The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) is calling on the Government to follow a move in Ireland to drop VAT rates in the hospitality sector which it says would create jobs and aid recovery.
BHA task force to tackle damaging hospitality regulations
The British Hospitality Association (BHA) will administer an industry task force on deregulation, which will aim to cut through red tape that is holding back the hospitality sector.
Will the hospitality industry back Jacques?
Britain has one of the highest VAT rates for the hospitality industry in the European Union, eclipsing 21 countries that have a lower rate for hotels, and 13 with a lower rate for restaurants and caterers.
Expect a VAT reduction by 2014, says expert
The UK hospitality industry could see a targeted VAT cut by April 2014, according to restaurateur and hospitality expert Jacques Borel.
Ireland cuts VAT for hotels and restaurants
The Irish government has announced a 4.5 per cent cut in VAT on tourism-related goods and services as part of efforts to support the sector and promote employment.
Thousands of hotels in line for VAT refunds
Thousands of hotels could be in line for a VAT refund after HM Revenue and Customs amended rules surrounding the VAT paid on hotel room deposits.
EU rules zero VAT on take-away food
A European ruling could mean that restaurants and pubs pay no VAT on take-away food and drink, and they could reclaim some of the tax paid over the past four years.
Quarter of UK hoteliers absorb VAT increase, finds survey
A quarter of UK hoteliers have decided not to pass on the VAT increase to their customers, while another 27 per cent are only passing on portion of the rate hike, according to a new HotStats report.
Hoteliers launch campaign for hospitality VAT of 5%
The head of budget hotel group Travelodge is leading a campaign to reduce VAT for the hospitality sector to 5 per cent ahead of the London Olympics.
Risks to UK tourism threaten Olympics legacy, warns BHA
The UK tourism and hospitality sectors stand to lose out on the full benefits of the Olympic Games if the country does not address a number of major obstacles it faces, the chief executive of the British Hospitality Association told industry leaders yesterday.
Pubs could be forced to add more than 10p to a pint
Pubs could be forced to add 10p or more to the price of a pint this year as a combination of wholesale price rises, the VAT hike and duty increases hit home.
Small operators must plan ahead to survive spending cuts, say experts
Smaller companies will face a tough year ahead, as higher tax and restrictive employment law create barriers to growth, according to the Forum of Private Business.
VAT rise adds 6p on a pint of beer
The Government should consider a lesser rate of VAT for the hospitality trade after today's rise to 20 per cent is expected to add 6p on a pint.
Delay VAT rise, begs pub industry
An industry body has called on the Government to delay the VAT rise in January, to compensate for the effects of the recent extreme weather.
Small businesses urged to prepare now to avoid VAT complications
Independent operators and small businesses in the hospitality sector are being urged to prepare for the VAT increase next year, to avoid complications with their accounting systems that could hit their bottom lines.
Pub insolvencies still at recession levels
The number of insolvencies in the pub industry has dipped — but they are still at recessionary levels, according to Baker Tilly
Ask the Experts: How should my business handle the next VAT rise?
BigHospitality puts one reader's question about how his business can handle the expected rise in VAT next year to 20 per cent to Martin Couchman, deputy chief executive of the British Hospitality Association
Hospitality experts welcome delay in VAT hike but fear effect on trading
Industry experts have welcomed the delayed start of the new 20 per cent rate of VAT, claiming it will allow hospitality companies to find ways of absorbing the additonal costs rather than passing them on to cash strapped consumers
Blanket VAT hike a missed opportunity for UK hospitality
The coalition government’s move to raise VAT to a uniform 20 per cent from January next year in yesterday’s emergency budget is a 'missed opportunity' for UK hospitality
VAT up in emergency budget but no rise in alcohol duty
Chancellor George Osborne has announced VAT will rise to 20 per cent from January of next year, as he delivered his ‘unavoidable budget’ today in parliament
VAT hike would put 7,000 jobs at risk in pub sector
A VAT hike to 20 per cent would raise the price of a pint by 6p and cause the loss of 7,000 jobs a year, without a compensatory cut in duty
Absorb the VAT increase, consumers tell businesses
Almost half of British consumers think businesses should continue to absorb the 2.5 per cent VAT increase throughout 2010, as many intend to cut back on spending this year
Restaurant chains encouraged to take a stand on VAT levels
Restaurateur Jamie Barber, owner of the Villandry and Kitchen Italia brands, has called for large restaurant companies to do more to persuade the government to support the industry
BHA to study impact of lower VAT rate on hotels
The British Hospitality Association is to look at the impact a reduction in VAT would have on hotels following calls to bring the rate down while members of the industry have their say
Call for introduction of 5% VAT rate for hotels
Accountancy firm PKF calls for the re-tabling and support of an Early Day Motion that looks at lowering the VAT rate for hotels to give the industry 'a much needed boost'
Pubs, restaurants & hotels to retain 15% VAT rate until 1 January 2010
Businesses open for New Year's Eve that account for VAT at the point of sale can continue charging 15 per cent into New Year's Day, it has been confirmed, but accountants warn of hits to margins in January with a return to the 17.5 per cent rate
Industry divided over VAT cuts
The hospitality industry is divided over whether to keep or pass on savings from the Government’s VAT cuts that came into force today
Darling delivers mixed message to hospitality industry
Alistair Darlings pre-budget report is described as a mixed blessing for the hospitality industry as he lowers VAT but ignores calls to reduce alcohol duty
Restaurants could benefit from EU's VAT reduction
A 65 per cent reduction in VAT rates could help boost restaurant trade if EU plans go ahead
BHA calls for emergency grace period on VAT
Industry body the British Hospitality Association is calling on the Government to give hospitality and tourism businesses affected by the recent floods a six month grace period on National Insurance, VAT payments and business rates. It is also asking .