Euro MP calls for cut in VAT for leisure industry (From Chorley Citizen)

Euro MP calls for cut in VAT for leisure industry

10:28am Tuesday 29th January 2013 in East Lancashire

EAST Lancashire Euro-MP Paul Nuttall is calling for a VAT cut for the leisure industry to help pubs, clubs, hotels and restaurants.

The UKIP MEP said: “The hospitality industry is suffering in these difficult economic times, but a reduction in the crippling 20 per cent VAT rate to five per cent would make a world of difference.

“The difference between survival and extinction for many establishments, in fact.

“There should be a change in VAT so that drinks in pubs can be sold at prices which are competitive with those sold in supermarkets. Two-thirds of the cost of a pint of beer in a pub is swallowed in tax.

“Currently 21 countries in the EU have a lower VAT rate for the hotel sector and 13 for the overall hospitality sector.

“It is believed that a cut in VAT, which is the third highest in the EU, could help create 320,000 jobs in this country in the post Olympic years and help save pubs, restaurants and hotels from going under.”