Hospitality bosses warn tourist tax could 'strangle' the Great British holiday as seaside towns fight back

From the Newshound archive · first published 28 September 2026 · last updated 29 September 2026.

Nine-Michelin-star restaurateur Simon Rogan says the new tourist levy is "just like being strangled" and has put his UK expansion plans on hold. Andy Burnham's approved overnight tourism tax — set to become operational in early 2028 with no cap on how much councils charge — has sparked fierce opposition from businesses, MPs and seaside communities nationwide. Hospitality chiefs warn a family could face over £100 in extra costs on a two-week break, while hoteliers call the measure "absolutely horrendous."

Anglesey rejected the levy after 83% of businesses and 84% of visitors opposed it, with two-thirds saying they'd book elsewhere.

Sir Rocco Forte, whose luxury group owns Brown's Hotel in Mayfair, called the tax "a disgrace," while Wetherspoon founder Sir Tim Martin warned it would drive up costs across the sector.