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Meanwhile, multinational corporations such as Starbucks and BSA Member

Amazon have historically structured their UK operations in ways that
result in minimal tax contributions. Their tax arrangements and use
of loopholes in the system have been widely reported.

Why is the government not tackling this head on with the same
urgency and inflexibility it applies to small independent operators?

This is not a level playing field, and enough is enough.

Across Europe, hospitality is supported. Germany applies 7% VAT to
restaurant food. The Netherlands 9%. Italy 10%. The UK is moving in
the opposite direction.

If businesses that have traded for generations are questioning
survival, something is fundamentally wrong with the system.

This is not a plea for special treatment. It is a call for fairness across
the industry.

The UK cannot afford to lose its independent hospitality sector.

Nick Peel
Managing Director, Stokes (est. 1902)

CO-SIGNED,

THE BEVERAGE

STANDARDS ASSOCIATION

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MAR/APR. 2026 | ISSUE 47