With sweeping changes from the general election the trade body is urging operators to engage with their local MPs to help drive home messages that the new Government needs to take on board for the hospitality sector.
The BII is calling for three things to help give breathing room and support to the sector:
- A continuation of the business rate relief of 75% that is currently due to end in April 2025.
- Full business rate reform, rebalancing this unfair taxation on your bricks and mortar businesses.
- A reduction in VAT, specifically for hospitality, which will support the ongoing viability of many pubs, prevent unnecessary business failure, encourage further investment in pub teams & businesses and provide an engine of growth within the wider economy.
Steve Alton, CEO of the BII, said: “We are calling on all pubs to write to their MPs, asking for their backing to support the three key asks. We have provided a template letter for you to send to your MP to urgently ask for their support on this.”
He said the BII had also created some social media assets and tools for operators to continue to drive home the campaigns message. All of which are available here.
He added that the campaign had been successful so far, with strong support last summer from operators. "Through your work, an extension to the 75% business rates relief was secured for England until the end of March 2025, with pubs being singled out yet again for their role in their communities.
"This was a targeted ask of Government to gain early confirmation of essential ongoing support and was achieved in full for many of your pubs. We are disappointed that the devolved nations have not chosen to apply the relief and will continue to call for support for Scotland and Wales."
He called on further engagement from operators across the UK to help drive the messages home.