A “tourist tax” set to be introduced in Liverpool on 1 June could be delayed after a group of hoteliers appealed to the government against the validity of the move.
The £2 per night per occupied room would be payable by hotels over a certain size and, under the plan, they may choose to pass this on to guests or tour operators.
This change in how hotels contribute towards the city’s Accommodation Business Improvement District plan was made as late as 24 April following a vote of eligible hotels.
However, just days before the new fee structure is due to be applied, it has emerged that a group of hoteliers have lodged an appeal to void the result of the ballot, campaign group Against BID has told routeone. “Alleged material irregularities” which may have affected the result are claimed.
In the disputed ballot of 83 establishments held by Liverpool Business Improvement District Company (Liverpool BID) and Liverpool City Council (Liverpool CC), 26 hotels voted for the £2 per night charge and 18 against, with one invalid vote.
According to Against BID’s Shawn Rutter, the introduction of the ‘tourist tax’ in Liverpool could now be delayed pending the outcome of the appeal.
The launch of a visitor charge in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole was put on hold last summer due to a similar challenge. In January, the government declared void the vote that led to that fee’s introduction.
Coach Tourism Chair Robert Shaw and Emma Russell, Managing Director of Alfa Travel, have spoken out in the past against such fees.
Meanwhile, Peter Bradley, Managing Director of UK Coach Operators Association, has previously criticised last-minute introduction of the charges. His view was that coach operators may face unexpected costs as they have already taken bookings at stated fees.
However, Skills Holidays, which has a tour in Liverpool arranged on 13 June, told routeone it did not consider the “tourist tax” set to be imposed by the hotel it is using to be a problem. It was planning to absorb the charge rather than bill customers extra.
Liverpool BID and Liverpool CC were approached for comment.
