Blumenthal calling for urgent action to save British pubs

CELEBRITY chef Heston Blumenthal has urged the government and licensees to take immediate action to prevent the closure of thousands of British pubs.

- AMBER MURRAY

The chef is advocating for a cut to Britain's VAT rate, which ranks amongst Europe's steepest.

He stated: "Saving the Great British pub is about more than nostalgia...it is about preserving spaces that bring people together, support local economies and keep traditions alive," as part of his new initiative 'Save the Great British Pub: A Call to Protect a National Treasure.'

Companies have been grappling with soaring energy, food and labour expenses alongside increased taxation since the Covid-19 pandemic.