The owner of Burnham-On-Sea Pavilion has voiced concern that a proposed hike in gambling taxes could severely impact businesses like his.
The Chancellor is reportedly looking at doubling machine gaming duty to 40 per cent during next month’s Budget in a move targeted at bookmakers.
But piers, pubs, clubs and amusement arcades could be hit by the costlier levies.
Charles Holland, whose family firm runs seven arcades in the south west – including Burnham-On-Sea Pavilion – says doubling the tax would be “devastating.”
“Unlike other businesses we can’t raise prices because maximum stakes and prizes are fixed by the Government. We would have to look at reduced opening hours and closures,” he told a national newspaper.
“We operate a responsible, affordable business. We just want to keep the status quo.”
The Treasury says: “The Chancellor is focused on his priorities – to give families and businesses a bit of breathing space, back British jobs and drive growth in every postcode.”
The Pavilion, Britain’s shortest pier, has been run by J Holland and Sons since the family bought the seafront landmark from the Parkin family in 2017. The firm says it is a multi-generational coastal business that reinvests in its sites and employs local staff.
