## Bradford pubs drop food and drink prices for a day in VAT protest ### Hospitality sector calls on chancellor to cut VAT to 5 percent
Pubs across the UK will drop food and drink prices on Thursday, in protest against the government's VAT rate.
The initiative, organized by the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), is calling on the chancellor to cut VAT on hospitality to 5 percent.
The BBPA says the current rate of 20 percent is a "huge burden" on the industry, and is forcing pubs to pass on higher costs to customers.
Emma McClarkin, BBPA chief executive, said: "The government needs to act now to help our pubs, which are facing a perfect storm of rising costs, falling consumer confidence and a lack of government support."
The BBPA is calling on the government to cut VAT to 5 percent for a minimum of two years, to help the industry recover from the pandemic.
The initiative has received support from politicians and business leaders across the UK.
The chief executive of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Martin McTague, said: "The hospitality sector has been one of the hardest hit by the pandemic, and pubs are no exception."
"A cut in VAT would be a welcome relief for these businesses, and would help them to get back on their feet," he added.
The government has been urged to take action to help the hospitality sector, which has been hit hard by the pandemic.
The BBPA is calling on the government to consider a number of measures to help the industry, including a cut in VAT, business rates relief, and a reduction in the cost of energy.
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