Help for hospitality from Chancellor warmly welcomed by Belfast Chamber

Belfast Chamber has warmly welcomed today’s announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer that hospitality businesses will benefit from a cut in VAT and a new ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ discount scheme.

Commenting, Simon Hamilton said, “There can be no doubt that our hospitality and tourism sectors have been some of the hardest hit by the restrictions imposed because of COVID-19. After years of fighting for a reduction in the VAT rate to help make tourism in Northern Ireland more competitive, Belfast Chamber welcomes the Chancellor’s decision to reduce VAT on food, accommodation and tourist attractions to 5% until next January.  This is extremely welcome and, along with the ‘East Out to Help Out’ discount scheme, will be crucial to the survival of many businesses and the maintenance of jobs.  

Belfast has become a must visit destination with great pubs, restaurants, cafes and hotels as well as brilliant visitor attractions like Titanic Belfast.  Our city is experiencing a tough time as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic.  The help for hospitality and tourism announced by the Chancellor today helps to give the industry a real chance to get through this crisis”.