By Denis Sheehan, Publisher, H&C News: BII calls for rapid reform to unfair business rates system.
The British Institute of Innkeeping has submitted responses to the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group Business Rates Inquiry as well as the official Technical Consultation to Government. This week the APPBG will hear evidence from licensees and people across the industry about the impact of Business Rates on the licensed trade.
The BII believes that the hospitality sector has been unfairly overburdened with high tax for many years, and has consistently called for a full review and reform of Business Rates.
In particular, Business Rate reform needs to address the chronic imbalance between pubs at the heart of high streets and communities with the digital economy. This imbalance leads to pubs overpaying £570 million per annum, stifling investment and pushing viable local businesses towards failure.
Steven Alton CEO of the BII commented: “We have consistently called for a fundamental reform of business rates to address this unfair tax burden on our members’ pubs. After two years of closure and significant trading restrictions, the need for rapid reform is key as part of a package of support to help support pubs on their road to recovery is clear.
“We look forward to Government making the necessary changes to help safeguard pubs in every community of the UK.”
Coworth Park brunch sees an end to paper receipts in hospitality
