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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Jul- 2020 -31 JulyBeverages
BBPA repeats call for government to cut VAT on beer in pubs
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has urged the UK government to extend its VAT cut on food in pubs to include beer as well. The trade association has made the plea as the European Commission confirmed that within the EU’s VAT Directives, Member States can apply targeted reductions…
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31 JulyCoronavirus
Getting your hospitality businesses in touch with the low touch economy
After months of difficulty, uncertainty, and a precarious balancing act at the edge of business survival, the UK’s hospitality sector may finally be seeing the sun break through the storm clouds. Chancellor Rishi Sunak brought welcome news for the suffering sector with a VAT cut for hotels, restaurants, and other…
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28 JulyRestaurants
Frankie & Benny’s to open a further 15 sites
Frankie and Benny’s has announced the reopening of a further 15 restaurants that have, taking the total number of reopened sites to 35 by the end of the month. The restaurant chain said it has followed “strict” Government and Public Health England guidelines and has worked “incredibly hard” to put…
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16 JulyFood and Drink
CAMRA brands Wetherspoon poster as ‘misleading’
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and Society for Independent Brewers (SIBA) has branded JD Wetherspoon poster promoting lower alcoholic beverage prices as “misleading”, following Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s announcement of a VAT reduction last week. The poster, which includes the CAMRA logo and features the slogan “Sunak’s Specials” says: ‘Rishi…
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15 JulyFood and Drink
McDonalds slashes prices as it pilots dine-in scheme
Following the Chancellor’s VAT reduction last week, McDonald’s has announced a raft of price reductions across its menu, to be recommended to all franchisees. The reductions will be found across meal bundles and menu ‘classics’, and while prices may vary slightly by locations, the recommendation includes an estate-wide 40p reduction…
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10 JulyCoronavirus
Oakman Inns appoints new CEO and chair as sales slide 17%
Oakman Inns has announced a series of board changes including the appointment of Dermot King as chief executive, also revealing that FY sales fell by 17% due to Covid-19. Prior to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, Oakman revealed it was “trading well” with LFL sales up 4.3% year to…
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9 JulyCoronavirus
Chancellor cuts hospitality VAT to 5%
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has unveiled a new scheme to pay companies £1,000 bonus per employee for those they keep on until January on part pay. Sunak said if employers bring back all nine million people who have been furloughed, this will be a “£9bn policy to retain people in work”.…
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9 JulyCoronavirus
Industry reacts to Sunak’s summer statement
The hospitality sector has widely welcomed the series of measures announced by the chancellor in his “summer statement” yesterday, with UKHospitality saying it is “reassuring” that he singled out hospitality and tourism as a “vital part” of the UK’s economy. Yesterday (8 July), along with a £9bn retention scheme that…
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8 JulyBreweries and Distilleries
BBPA urges Sunak to cut VAT and business rates
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has uged Rishi Sunak to cut VAT, business rates and beer for brewers and pub businesses as they begin their “long and slow road to recovery after lockdown”. The trade association said its sector could, with the right support, help drive the economic…
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6 JulyCoronavirus
Hospitality sector calls for business investment package
Industry leaders in hospitality have urged the government to commit to an “ambitious” programme of business support and investment to stimulate the revival of the sector as restrictions begin to ease. In a letter signed by 120 hospitality leaders, the government has been called on to “act decisively” for a…
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