The #VATsTheProblem campaign – which is calling for 10% hospitality VAT - now has 401,250 signatures on its petition.
The milestone – reported directly to 10 Downing Street - comes just two weeks out from the Budget.
Restaurateur and bar owner Tom Kerridge said: “The support we have seen from both the public and hospitality for the #VATsTheProblem campaign has been enormous, and it was important that we delivered our petition to 10 Downing Street before the Budget.
“More than 400,000 people have backed 10% hospitality VAT because they know that their pubs, restaurants, cafes, bars and hotels on the high street need this.
“We all want to turn closures into openings, lost jobs into new jobs and shuttered shops into thriving high streets. A VAT cut for hospitality delivers that.
“The petition so far has been delivered to Downing Street but our campaign for a lower rate of hospitality VAT continues, so keep signing the petition, telling your guests and customers to do the same, and keep spreading the word.”