The British Beer & Pub Association has welcomed the publication of a Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) select committee report on the impact of Coronavirus. But it says the report should have recommended extending the VAT cut for pubs beyond January 2021, as well as including alcoholic drinks sold in pubs as part of the cut.
The trade association has welcomed the report’s recommendation for a DCMS-led national campaign to restore consumer confidence in the domestic UK holiday market.
It said such a campaign would help pubs and brewers in tourist destinations across the UK, especially those who offer accommodation. It said it was important to showcase that those pubs and brewers are open for business, helping them to make up for lost business during the lockdown period, and from decreased international tourism to the UK.
BBPA chief executive, Emma McClarkin, said: “On the whole, we welcome the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport select committee report on the impact of Coronavirus. It is important that, across government, policies are considered to support our sectors on their long road to recovery.
“It is disappointing to see the report has less focus supporting tourism. More can and should be done to support the sector. Pubs have been amongst the hardest hit businesses by the Covid-19 lockdown. Any extension to a VAT cut for the cultural sector should also be considered for hospitality and pubs too, and include alcohol sold in pubs, helping them survive through to the next season. Both sectors support one another so it makes sense to assist them together.
“A DCMS led campaign to encourage ‘staycations’ in the UK would be most welcome. Our sector needs people to know they are open for business and a campaign like this would help support that. It is especially important that domestic holiday makers consider the UK as we face decreased international tourists for the foreseeable future.”
