After dedicating over 30 years to the restaurant trade, I find myself in a dire situation. My establishment, which has been a beacon of dining for 15 years, is now teetering on the brink of closure. The rising energy costs, skyrocketing food product prices, and the heavy burden of a 20% VAT rate are crippling the hospitality sector.

The consequences of these financial strains are severe. Our government’s recommendation to pass these costs onto our customers is not a viable solution. As prices have increased, customers are staying away, leading to a significant decline in trade. This downturn has forced us to make heartbreaking decisions, such as laying off valued staff.

Additionally, we are struggling to meet our financial obligations, including the looming VAT bill and outstanding corporate tax from November, now exacerbated by mounting interest charges.

The impact of COVID-19 and Brexit has already dealt a heavy blow to businesses like mine. We need immediate government intervention to reduce VAT for the hospitality sector, providing the relief necessary to sustain livelihoods and save cherished community institutions.

Sign this petition to urge the government to take actionable steps to support and reinvigorate the hospitality industry, ensuring that our beloved restaurants can continue serving as cultural and social hubs for our communities.