A number of Chester businesses have called on the public to sign a nationwide petition urging the government to reduce VAT for the hospitality sector.

Leading the 'VATsTheProblem' campaign is chef and publican Tom Kerridge, who is calling for hospitality VAT to be cut to 10% to ease pressure on businesses and bring rates closer to those seen across Europe.

Value Added Tax (VAT) is a tax charged on most goods and services sold in the UK. The standard rate is currently 20%. According to UKHospitality, the rate paid by UK hospitality businesses is the second-highest in Europe, behind only Denmark.

A spokesperson for the campaign said: "The majority of European countries know how important hospitality is to society, and they know it pays too much tax. That's why they support it with lower VAT rates. The UK deserves the same.

"By standing together and signing the petition, we can help protect jobs, support local businesses and secure a stronger future hospitality."

The petition, which is aiming for one million signatures, argues that a VAT reduction would help support the high street and safeguard local jobs.

Among the Chester businesses to publicly back the campaign is Death By Tacos, a dive bar and taqueria on Watergate Street.

In a statement supporting 'VATsTheProblem', the business said the hospitality industry was being "left to bleed out" by the government, citing "additional taxes and costs" on top of "already ridiculously inflated" food and energy costs.

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The statement read: "At 20% hospitality businesses in the UK pay BY FAR the highest taxes in Europe, with most paying less than half what we pay and some as little as 5%.

"As an industry we work incredibly hard, long hours to make nice places for you to meet up with friends & family, have a bite to eat, have a drink, have a night out, have a coffee with your nan etc.

"In doing so we employ loads of people, specifically young people, and most people get their first job in hospitality."

The owners denied wanting "hand-outs", but rather wanted a "fair crack of the whip" to run the business while providing for their families.

They also referenced the number of hospitality businesses that have closed in recent months, warning that more would follow "if nothing changes".

Local chef and entrepreneur Gary Usher has also called on the industry to unite behind the campaign.

He said: "Together, we're pushing for a reduction in VAT to 10% - not for a handout, but to help protect jobs, support growth and secure the future of hospitality across the UK. The more voices we have, the stronger our message."

Other businesses backing the petition include Rufus Court-based tapas bar Greenhouse and live music venue Alexander's Live.

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Greenhouse said: "Hospitality is on its knees and it's time to do something about it."

"Please like, share and sign the petition before even more closures of your favourite places. Let's make some noise that cannot be ignored!"

Alexander's Live said it was "proud" to support Kerridge's national campaign and that "it's time for change".

The venue said: "Like hospitality venues across the UK, we're facing rising costs while continuing to invest in great experiences for our customers.

"A reduction in VAT would help businesses like ours protect jobs, support live entertainment, invest in our venues and continue contributing to the local economy and community.

"We're proud to stand alongside hospitality businesses across the country in calling for a fairer VAT rate."

The 'VATsTheProblem' petition is aiming to secure one million signatures, with a growing number of Chester businesses among those backing the campaign.