My family owns an independent cafe, and we've poured our hearts into it every single day. Despite our hard work and dedication, we are constantly facing the threat of closing due to exorbitant hospitality rates that continue to climb. This doesn't just affect us; it's a crisis impacting countless small businesses like ours across the United Kingdom.

Business rates are one of the biggest and most unfair costs we face. They are based on outdated property values rather than what businesses actually earn, meaning small hospitality venues often pay huge bills regardless of whether they are making a profit.

At the same time, hospitality businesses are struggling with rising food prices, energy costs, staffing shortages and VAT. Many independent venues simply cannot absorb these pressures any longer.

If nothing changes, thousands more cafés, pubs and restaurants will disappear from our high streets and communities.

Hospitality isn’t just an industry it is the heart of our towns and villages. It creates jobs, supports local suppliers and provides spaces where communities gather.

We are calling on the Government to urgently reform and significantly reduce business rates for hospitality businesses to give independent venues a fair chance to survive.

Without action, the UK risks losing the independent cafés, pubs and restaurants that make our communities vibrant and unique.

By signing this petition, you're supporting not just our family, but every small business owner in the hospitality industry. Together, we can urge the government to recognize the importance of local businesses and ensure that they continue to thrive.

Please sign this petition to stand with us in calling for fair reform of hospitality rates and help secure the future of small businesses across the nation.