Heineken joins Borel’s tax campaign

The UK’s largest brewer follows recent high-profile additions into the club’s membership, including TGI Friday’s. Around 40 companies are now signed up in all, including Pizza Hut, J D Wetherspoon, Fuller’s and Subway.

Lawson Mounstevens, Heineken’s on trade managing director, said: “We are committed to the Great British Pub, both through our direct ownership of 1,300 houses and the circa 50,000 that we supply on a weekly basis. A reduced VAT rate on food and drinks offered by pubs, clubs and bars would provide a much-needed boost to the sector, stimulate investment and likely create jobs. The VAT Club has already successfully put this campaign on the radar for many in the industry and Heineken is only too pleased to support Mr Borel in his very important work.”

Borel set up his club to argue for a cut similar to reductions made in some European countries over the last few years in an attempt to increase consumer spending and job creation. He said: “I am delighted to welcome Heineken to membership of my VAT Club. The company understands the huge employment benefits that would be achieved if the UK government follows the lead of countries across Europe and reduces VAT to create a powerful job creation stimulus.”