Wahaca launches Value Added Tacos to highlight the impact of hospitality VAT

Wahaca is partnering with the #VATsTheProblem campaign to launch Value Added Tacos, a new initiative designed to highlight the impact of the UK’s 20% VAT rate on hospitality businesses and consumers. Launched on 1st July, the same day Ireland reduces its hospitality VAT rate to 9%, the offer sees the Mexican-inspired restaurant group pass on a potential VAT saving directly to customers by offering 10% off all tacos purchased between 12pm and 3pm, Monday to Friday, when dining in at its restaurants nationwide.

The price reduction at Wahaca forms part of the nationwide #VATsTheProblem campaign, supported by trade body UKHospitality, which is calling on the Government to cut VAT on hospitality from 20% to 10%, bringing the UK more in line with the majority of European countries where reduced rates are already in place.

Ongoing until 24th July, the Value Added Tacos discount aims to demonstrate the difference a lower VAT rate could make for hospitality businesses and their customers alike, helping to keep dining out more affordable while supporting investment, growth and job opportunities across the wider sector.

The move follows Wahaca’s recent decision to pass on the full saving from the Government’s temporary reduction in VAT on children’s restaurant meals, from 20% to 5%, lowering prices for families eating at its restaurants throughout the summer holidays.

Wahaca’s CEO Gemma Glasson said: “While it’s clear that hospitality businesses face significant challenges, we are also very aware that people across the country will be continuing to feel the pressure of rising costs, and with Value Added Tacos we’re showing exactly how a lower rate of VAT could benefit customers directly. The governments of so many of our European neighbours already recognise hospitality’s huge economic and social value through lower VAT rates, and so we hope that a 10% saving on our tacos will help continue the very important conversation that is being spearheaded by the #VATsTheProblem campaign.”

Allen Simpson, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, said: “A cut to hospitality VAT has so many benefits. It supports businesses and our high streets by allowing them to reinvest, grow and support jobs, but it can also deliver lower prices for consumers. It’s fantastic to see Wahaca take the lead by showing exactly how the public benefits from lower hospitality VAT and why we should all get behind the #VATsTheProblem campaign.”

Find Wahaca at 160-161 North Street, Brighton.