James Pennefather, chief executive of Chapel Down, has called on the UK government to broaden its recent business rate relief to include hotels, arguing that the current policy is too narrow to drive meaningful economic recovery in the hospitality sector.
While Pennefather welcomed the decision by Labour leader Andy Burnham to cut business rates for pubs by 20%, he emphasized that excluding hotels undermines the potential for widespread growth across the industry.
The push for expanded relief comes as the debate over UK business rates intensifies.
Critics warn that Burnham risks undermining his party's manifesto commitments by failing to deliver comprehensive reform.
The pressure on the government to act is mounting, with industry leaders suggesting that partial measures are insufficient to alleviate the financial strain on businesses that rely heavily on footfall and tourism.
Chapel Down, one of the UK's leading wineries, operates in a sector closely tied to hospitality and tourism.