Stakeholders of Britain’s hospitality industry have condemned the government’s Spring Statement as a missed chance to support the sector, warning of a looming crisis and demanding urgent action – with some commenters even suggesting a tax boycott. There may be trouble ahead.

After UKHospitality criticised the Spring Statement as a missed opportunity to prevent a looming “£3.4 billion April cliff edge,” many stakeholders from across the sector commented on the trade body’s LinkedIn post to share their disappointment. 

And they didn’t hold back.

“Appreciate you shouting so clearly for the sector,” wrote C-Burn Music, a company specialising in music for hospitality venues. “It’s hard to reconcile the talk of ‘growth’ in the Spring Statement with what operators are facing on the ground… no business rates reform, and still no VAT cut.”

The reaction from hospitality leaders and professionals was unified in its frustration.

“Successive governments have failed to appreciate the huge role played by UK hospitality in the very fabric of our country,” said Mike Dewey of Shankly Hotel Liverpool. “And sadly, I don’t see this changing anytime soon!”

Others pointed to the government’s misplaced focus. 

“Until London is suffering, the rest of the industry is hung out to dry,” said Gavin Ellis, former director of the Knockomie Hotel in Inverness. “The government… is prepared to sacrifice the rural economy – because it fails to understand it.”

Duncan McConchie, managing director at event venue Laggan, echoed the sentiment: “Budget after budget, meeting after meeting… nothing changes. We are being totally and utterly ignored, ridiculed, disrespected and swept under the carpet.”

Hospitality consultant Richard Grady called for immediate action: “We cannot allow the Great British Pub to be taxed to death. We need collective action and quick.”

Some even suggested civil disobedience. 

“Maybe fight fire with fire,” said former restaurateur Carly Trisk-Grove. “A VAT boycott… might make them take notice.” 

Licencing consultant Gareth Hughes added: “Or even an NI payment boycott which I heard one large operator propose this weekend.”

Chris Walker of the Selkirk Arms Hotel summarised the sector’s reality: “Rather than looking at how to grow my business and employ more staff, I’m constantly looking at how to cut staff hours, cut customer service, cut costs… There’s no incentive to do otherwise.”

As April’s changes kick in, hospitality leaders are calling not just for support – but for survival. And growing numbers are speaking about action rather than words.