Why We’re Backing ‘VAT’s the Problem’

Hospitality is one of the UK’s greatest success stories. It employs millions of people, gives young people their first jobs, keeps high streets alive and brings communities together. It’s an industry built on hard work, hospitality in the truest sense of the word, and an extraordinary ability to keep delivering brilliant experiences no matter the pressure it’s under.

Rising energy costs. Food inflation. Soaring employment costs. Unjust business rates. The highest tax burden in the UK economy. And on top of all of that, a 20% VAT rate that sits among the highest in Europe.

That’s why, on 1 July, the hospitality industry is coming together to launch ‘VAT’s the Problem‘, a united sector campaign calling for hospitality VAT to be reduced from 20% to 10%. Spearheaded by Tom Kerridge, it’s a nationwide movement asking the whole of hospitality to stand together. And we’re proud to support it.

Why this matters to us

As a technology partner working alongside hospitality operators every single day, we see the realities of running a venue in 2026. We see the margins. We see the long hours. We see operators making challenging choices between investing in their teams, their menus and their futures.

Our platform exists to help businesses run more efficiently, serve faster and make more informed decisions with their data. But technology can only do so much against a tax burden that’s stacked against the sector. Fair tax and smart operations go hand in hand, and a 10% VAT rate would give our clients genuine breathing room to do what they do best: invest in job and strengthen the communities they serve.

The UK deserves the same as its neighbours

Countries including Spain, Italy, France, Ireland and Germany already recognise how vital hospitality is to society, and they back it with lower VAT rates. The argument has been made and won across Europe. The UK deserves the same.

A 10% VAT rate would:

• Support pubs, restaurants, cafés, hotels, nightclubs and many more
• Help businesses invest in jobs and keep prices fair for customers
• Strengthen high streets and local communities

How you can help

The campaign formally launches on 1 July, but the work starts now. Here’s how you can lend your voice:

• Sign the petition at www.vatstheproblem.co.uk and share it with your teams. The more signatures gathered ahead of the launch, the stronger the message.
• Spread the word by adding the campaign link to your emails, socials and website.
• Use the campaign toolkit  posters, beer mats, till receipts and a full social media toolkit will be available before 1 July for businesses across hospitality.
• Talk to your customers and ask them to stand with you by signing the petition and sharing the campaign.

10% VAT is fair for hospitality.

Join us in supporting the industry. Sign the petition at www.vatstheproblem.co.uk, and let’s stand together.

#VATsTheProblem