Hi Adam, Most food is zero-rated but food sold in pubs and restaurants has to include a VAT charge of 20%. There is an argument that this is unfair, and VAT should be cut for Hospitalty as it is in most European countries including Ireland. We have seen a number of very high profile restaurants  struggle according to trade website Big Hospitality  eg. Jamie Oliver , Giraffe, Pizza Express (with a £55 million loss last year). Also a number of high profile Michelin starred chefs have said London restaurants are unsustainable and are looking elsewhere in the Uk to expand. As far as retail is concerned of course independent shops have to be innovative and move with the times but a reduced rate in VAT/Rates (maybe a temporary one) would definitely help heal the current crisis. Also Landlords must be realistic with rents. Shops which are vacant could be let out temporarily to a group of sole traders or start ups, sharing costs and customers to keep the high street alive and kicking rather than empty shops. Recently I was involved in organising the Upper Richmond Road Christmas Fair which bought a lot of trade to our street. More events like this also help bring people to the area. We need ideas flowing..... I will be organising an informal get together for people who care about Putney  to discuss topics raised on PutneySw15.com in February- those interested in sharing a glass of wine (or 2)  whilst meeting new friends   please email : kapoordee@aol.com

Entire Thread

Topic	Date Posted	Posted By
So sad another good  business leaves the high street	28/12/19 13:35:00	Deepak Kapoor
Re:So sad another good  business leaves the high street	28/12/19 13:58:00	Simon Knight
Re:Re:So sad another good  business leaves the high street	28/12/19 18:18:00	Bunny Payne
Re:So sad another good  business leaves the high street	29/12/19 13:48:00	Deepak Kapoor
Reply	29/12/19 14:31:00	Michael Ixer
Re:Reply	29/12/19 17:16:00	David Ainsworth
Re:Re:Reply	29/12/19 18:03:00	Barbara Stevens
Re:Re:Re:Reply	30/12/19 00:01:00	Deepak Kapoor
Re:Re:Re:Re:Reply	30/12/19 08:41:00	Simon Knight
Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Reply	30/12/19 09:25:00	Judy Allen
Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Reply	30/12/19 10:05:00	Heather Smilgys
Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Reply	30/12/19 15:16:00	Simon Knight
Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Reply	30/12/19 17:00:00	Deepak Kapoor
Reply	30/12/19 18:17:00	Michael Ixer
Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Reply	30/12/19 17:48:00	Lucille Grant
Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Reply	30/12/19 18:28:00	Adam Tripp
Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Reply	31/12/19 00:21:00	Deepak Kapoor
Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Reply	31/12/19 18:14:00	Ruth Pates

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