A plan to introduce a tourist tax for York will harm hospitality businesses, a York club owner has warned.
Marc Allinson, who runs the Artful Dodger on Micklegate, criticised plans for a visitor levy – likely to be introduced after the government paved the way in yesterday’s Budget.
Mayor of York and North Yorkshire has called that decision “a total gamechanger for our region”.
But yesterday YorkMix reported that Hospitality Association York had expressed “deep concerns” about the plan.
And Marc shares those concerns. “I don’t think it’s a good idea at all,” he said.
“The money’s just going to disappear into the black hole, like everything else that the council are the government take.
“And the benefits are going to be so small. The administration is going to take most of the money that they get.
“I don’t think it’ll benefit us whatsoever. It’s just going to take money away from people who it would be otherwise spending it in the local businesses.
“If somebody’s staying in the area for a few days, they’re going to have a set amount of money. If the government or the council take £10 extra off them, that’s £10 that they’re not going to be able to spend in the local businesses, employing people and helping the area.”
The government has this week changed the rules to allow England’s mayors will to “invest in transport, infrastructure, and the visitor economy” through a new levy on overnight stays.
Mayor David Skaith’s Policy Lab, set up with York St John University, has suggested a visitor levy of £2 a night could generate £52 million in York and North Yorkshire.
“A visitor levy in York and North Yorkshire will be a total gamechanger for our region. We’re home to beautiful towns, villages and cities,” Mr Skaith said.
“A small charge on overnight stays can revolutionise how we deliver transport, support businesses, invest in infrastructure and the visitor economy. Building the healthy and thriving communities for our residents and everyone that comes to visit them.”
