Chairman of the pub chain, Sir Tim Martin, has said these plans could transform the industry.
Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has put forward a package of measures aimed at aiding the struggling hospitality sector.
The proposals include a 10% cut in VAT for hospitality businesses, a 10% reduction in beer duty, reversing recent rises in employers’ National Insurance contributions, and the gradual removal of business rates for all pubs.
The party estimates the cost of the package at £3 billion and says it would be funded by reinstating the two-child benefit cap.
What has Tim Martin said about the proposed Reform pub plans?
Discussing the plans, Sir Tim said he believed it would “transform the competitiveness of pubs”.
He added: “By eliminating the tax differential between supermarkets and the hospitality industry, and restoring margins to devastated businesses, these changes would enable pubs to regain some, or all, of their lost trade.”
Alongside that, Martin expressed surprise at the limited backing so far.
He said: “You would think that this offer from Reform would have been greeted by a crescendo of enthusiasm, ecstasy and support from the licensed trade and its supporters.
“However, surprisingly, initial support has been underwhelming, at least from the great and the good in the hospitality industry.”
Reform UK announced its hospitality policy package last week.
The call for greater industry backing from Sir Tim comes after the Government unveiled fresh business rates relief for hospitality venues.
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Following warnings that rate changes announced in November’s autumn budget would lead to closures, the Government last month said pubs and live music venues in England would receive a 15% discount on business rates starting in April.
This is expected to provide the sector with an £80 million annual boost over the next three years.
Reform UK’s proposals focus on closing the tax gap between hospitality businesses and supermarkets.
