The Future of Your Local: Why 200,000 People Are Fighting for a 10% VAT Cut
There’s a specific kind of magic that happens in a taproom. It’s the sound of a fresh keg being tapped, the low hum of a Tuesday night book club, and that first, cold sip of a locally brewed Sussex pale ale after a long shift.
But behind the scenes, the hospitality industry: the very heart of our community here in Fiveways: is fighting for its life.
As of mid-June 2026, over 200,000 people have already signed the national petition for the #VATsTheProblem campaign. Led by industry heavyweights like Tom Kerridge, the movement is demanding a simple but transformative change: a cut in hospitality VAT from 20% to 10%.
At Lost and Found, we’re more than just a place to grab a drink. We are the counter-culture to the beige, corporate-owned "craft" brands that dominate the high street. We are a sanctuary for independent Sussex breweries. And right now, we: and every other taproom Brighton calls its own: need your voice to ensure our doors stay open.
What Is #VATsTheProblem?
If you’ve been following the news, you know that the UK’s hospitality sector has been through the wringer. From soaring energy costs to the rising price of grain, the pressure on independent venues is immense.
The #VATsTheProblem campaign, fronted by Tom Kerridge, highlights a glaring inequality. In many European countries, VAT on hospitality is significantly lower. In France, it’s 10%. In Germany, it’s 7%. Here in the UK, we are taxed at a staggering 20%.
This isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet; it’s about survival. A 10% VAT cut would mean independent businesses could reinvest in their staff, their venues, and the local economy. It’s the difference between a thriving high street and a row of boarded-up windows.
Why This Matters for the Brighton Taproom Scene
When you walk into an independent Brighton venue like Lost and Found, you aren't just buying a pint. You are supporting a massive ecosystem of local talent.
We don't stock beers from massive multi-nationals based in Manchester or Cornwall. Our focus is 100% on the incredible craft coming out of Sussex. Every time you order a beer from our rotating taps, you’re supporting a small-batch producer who is probably delivering the kegs themselves.
The current tax burden makes it harder for small players to compete with the "Big Beer" machines that can afford to swallow these costs. We’ve spoken before about why supporting local craft matters more than ever, and this VAT campaign is the latest front in that battle.
Without a change in policy, the diversity of the craft beer Brighton scene is at risk. We don’t want a world where every bar looks the same and serves the same three mass-produced lagers. We want variety. We want soul. We want independence.
The Human Side of Hospitality
It’s easy to talk about "the industry," but let’s talk about the people.
Our taproom is a space for the Fiveways community to gather. Whether it’s a birthday celebration (we’re a pretty popular Brighton party venue, if we do say so ourselves!), a quiet afternoon reading, or a weekend catch-up over street food from one of our visiting vans, these interactions are the fabric of our lives.
We’ve seen firsthand how a pint matters for mental health. It’s about connection. When a local business struggles, the community loses a piece of its identity. The 200,000 people who have already signed the petition aren't just looking for cheaper drinks; they are fighting to protect the spaces where they feel they belong.
Supporting the "Counter-Culture"
We pride ourselves on being different. While big chains are cutting corners and standardizing everything, we’re out here hunting for the most unique, punchy, and authentic brews we can find. We’re the "counter-culture" to big-label beer.
But being the counter-culture shouldn't mean being priced out of existence.
The #VATsTheProblem campaign is a visionary move to rebalance the scales. It recognizes that hospitality isn't just a service; it's a vital social utility. We’ve previously discussed what bars and pubs need from the budget, and a VAT reduction has always been at the top of that list.
How You Can Help Right Now
The consumer-facing launch of the campaign officially kicks off on July 1st, but the momentum is already unstoppable.
You don’t have to wait until July to make your voice heard. We are encouraging every regular, every beer lover, and every Brighton local to head over to vatstheproblem.co.uk and sign the petition today.
200,000 signatures is a massive milestone, but the goal is one million. We need the Government to understand that this isn't just an "industry moan": it's a demand from the public to save their locals.
What Else Can You Do?
- Drink Independent: Choose a craft beer taproom over a chain pub. Every pound you spend at an independent venue goes back into the community.
- Spread the Word: Share the campaign on social media using the hashtag #VATsTheProblem.
- Visit Us: Come down to Ditchling Road. Grab a pint of something incredible from a Sussex brewer. Check out the weekend street food van parked outside. Remind yourself why these spaces are worth fighting for.
The Future Is in Your Hands
At Lost and Found, we remain optimistic. We believe in the power of community and the quality of the beer we serve. We believe that Brighton’s independent spirit is too strong to be crushed by outdated tax policies.
But we can’t do it alone.
This campaign is about more than just a 10% difference in tax. It’s about deciding what kind of high streets we want to have in the future. Do we want vibrant, diverse, and local? Or do we want corporate, predictable, and distant?
We know which side we’re on.
Like what you’ve tasted? Want to see your favorite taproom Brighton spot thrive for years to come? Then let’s get those signatures up to half a million by the end of the month.
See you at the bar. Cheers! 🍻
