UKHospitality has underlined to Jeremy Hunt and Boris Johnson the urgent need for a new Prime Minister to implement policy changes to support the future of British pubs.
With co signatories the BII, CAMRA, the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), Pub is the Hub and the BBPA, a joint letter outlines the need for stability in the sector, which can only be delivered via a basket of policy reform. These include delivery on the Conservative manifesto commitment to reform of business rates, with interim measures to end the impacts of the hugely increased costs of the property tax.
UKH continues to represent the sector at Brexit ‘no deal’ planning meetings but called on the Conservative leadership candidates to redouble efforts to ensure a smooth Brexit that allows access to labour for hospitality businesses and protects food and drink from harmful tariffs. The letter also praises the Government’s recent announcement of a Tourism Sector Deal and commits support to that ongoing process, and also calls a commitment to freeze beer duty for the remainder of this Parliament.
Kate Nicholls, UKH’s CEO, said: “After such a prolonged period of uncertainty and instability for hospitality operators, it is crucial to the fortunes of our sector – and the British economy – that a new Prime Minister recognises and acts to protect the value of our venues to the UK economy, culture and society.
“The operating environment is approaching crisis point, and we cannot stand by without making this a top priority for a new PM. We and our sector allies have sent a firm but friendly reminder to Mr Hunt and Mr Johnson that the venues that Britons value so highly are at risk, and we have called upon them to take simple but effective measures to safeguard our pubs.”