VAT
We report on VAT policy and its implications for the UK foodservice and hospitality sector, including rate changes, government decisions, lobbying campaigns, and compliance challenges. From reduced VAT measures during the pandemic to the sector’s push for permanent reform, this brings together essential updates that affect margins, pricing, and profitability. Whether you’re a small independent or a multi-site operator, understanding VAT is critical to managing costs and planning for sustainable growth. Our coverage is written to support chefs, operators, F&B leaders, and finance teams navigating a complex and evolving tax landscape.
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Jan- 2021 -28 JanuaryCoronavirus
Pandemic cost hospitality £200m a day in 2020
The pandemic and ensuing lockdowns cost the hospitality sector nearly £200m a day or £8m per hour in lost sales last year, with turnover less than half of 2019 levels, according to new data from UKHospitality and CGA. The latest edition of their quarterly tracker reveals that sales across restaurants,…
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27 JanuaryPubs and Bars
CAMRA: Forced hospitality closure until may will be ‘devastating’
Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has responded to the comments by Sage scientists that hospitality businesses should remain closed until May by suggesting that this would be a “devastating double whammy” for pubs and breweries. The organisation said it was “absolutely critical” for the government to intervene with further support…
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27 JanuaryGovernment
Finance minister: ‘no current plans’ to extend VAT cut
Jessie Norman, MP for Hereford and South Herefordshire and financial secretary for the treasury, has revealed there are “no current plans” to extend the VAT cut for the hospitality and tourism sectors. Following a question on the matter from Scott Benton, MP for Blackpool, Norman said: “The temporary reduced rate…
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26 JanuaryCoronavirus
Unemployment rises 5% to 1.7m
The UK unemployment rate rose by 5% in the three months to November with over 1.7 million people now out of work, according to the latest figures by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Since February 2020, the number of payroll employees has fallen by 828,000, however, the ONS said larger falls…
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22 JanuaryCoronavirus
New ‘cash cocktail’ urgently needed, says UKHC
UKHospitality Cymru has urged the Welsh government to find a “new and potent cash cocktail of financial support” to help the hospitality sector survive. The plea comes hours before first minister Mark Drakeford is set to give an updated coronavirus briefing regarding the level of infection rates today (Friday 22…
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22 JanuaryTrade Associations
‘Stark reminder’ for action amid 6,000 sector closures, UKH warns
UKHospitality (UKH) has called for action after figures published today (22 January) by CGA revealed a net decline of nearly 6,000 licensed premises in the UK. The trade association has issued a warning that businesses in the hospitality sector must receive further financial support in order to survive the third…
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21 JanuaryPubs and Bars
CARA calls on chancellor to cut tax on draught beer
CARA (the Campaign for Real Ale) is calling on the government to cut the tax on draught beer. The campaign is urging chancellor Rishi Sunak to commit to cutting the tax charged on beer served on tap in pubs and social clubs to help them rebuild their businesses once the…
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20 JanuaryTrade Associations
UKH calls for business rates holiday and VAT cut extension
UKHospitality (UKH) has written to the chancellor calling for an additional support package to accelerate the sector’s revival in 2021. The trade organisation asked the government to consider enacting further business rates holiday for hospitality businesses and an extension of the VAT cut to 5% for a further 12 months,…
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15 JanuaryFeatures
Q&A with Larkin Cen
Where did your passion for food come from? I grew up like many British-born Chinese kids, in a Chinese takeaway which is where I developed my love for Chinese food. We came from very modest beginnings yet we used to eat like kings, because there was a great passion with…
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13 JanuaryCoronavirus
Greene King extends 90% rent concessions
Greene King has announced it will be continuing its rent support for tenants during the latest lockdown, with tied tenants receiving 90% rent concessions. Following the government’s announcement of grants of up to £9,000 for individual hospitality businesses, the pub and hotel group wrote to all of its 1,000 tenants…
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