Businesses are taking a stand against the Chancellor’s Budget by banning Labour representatives from their venues.

Rising costs, the end of business rates relief and an increase in the minimum wage have prompted those in the hospitality industry to join the #taxedout movement, calling for the Government to rethink Rachel Reeves’ recent announcements.

Among them is the Queen Elizabeth pub in Gaywood, which has now banished Labour MPs from its premises.

A statement read: “After emails after emails and joining MPs on sessions, enough is enough, we were not heard.

“There is not much we can do. We can’t afford to go on strike or close down.

“There is a brewery, and there is the Government, which does not have a clue what they are doing to hospitality, especially pubs.”

The business said it has now had to close on Mondays and reduce its staff.

Others joining the campaign include Taylor’s café in Fakenham, with owner James Platten telling the Lynn News that “an urgent reconsideration” is needed.

“The recent Budget, marked by a series of political reversals, will have a significant impact on small businesses such as mine,” he said.

“While business rates relief was introduced as a temporary measure during the Covid support packages, its removal was not an unavoidable decision by the current Government and is likely impact significantly our financial bottom line.”

He explained that rising pressures have forced him to take a look at his pricing, and it will have a direct impact on staff.

“At Taylor’s, we are fortunate to benefit from a loyal local customer base. However, our customers have not been insulated from the effects of this Budget either,” Mr Platten added.

“Hospitality businesses are among the hardest hit by these changes and are likely to take the longest to recover.

“This is particularly concerning given the vital role hospitality plays in local communities, providing first-time employment opportunities, offering flexible work for college and university students, and creating welcoming spaces for people of all ages to meet, relax, and socialise.”

South West Norfolk’s Labour MP Terry Jermy, one of those who will now be unable to enter these venues, said he will still be making the effort to visit pubs in his constituency over the Christmas break, where he is sure he will receive a “warm welcome”.

“I understand the concerns raised by the Queen Elizabeth pub and others,” he said.

“Labour MPs have been and will continue to do everything we can to support the hospitality industry, and I fully recognise the challenges they face.

“I would encourage all pubs to welcome politicians into their premises to engage in conversation, debate and to take their money.”

Conservative counterparts, North West Norfolk MP James Wild and Fakenham MP Jerome Mayhew, are both unsurprised by the movement.

“Labour’s business rates raid will cost pubs an average of £12,900 more over the next three years,” Mr Wild said.

“The Chancellor told pubs and hospitality businesses their taxes were going down, when they are going up. It is little wonder landlords in Lynn and elsewhere are taking a stand, having been misled by Labour.”

Mr Mayhew agreed, and added: “Businesses can decide who they choose to serve, and I can understand why Taylor’s in Fakenham has decided to close their doors to Labour MPs.

“These are the MPs who went into the last election claiming to be backing British business and then voted to raise employers’ national insurance contributions, increase business rates and impose higher staffing costs – and that’s all before the (un)Employment Bill, which will add a further £5billion in costs to business.

“The result is a contracting economy, 15% youth unemployment and business confidence through the floor.”

Both Mr Wild and Mr Mayhew claim the Conservatives will make changes to help the hospitality sector, with Mr Wild raising issues in parliament.

“Last week in the House of Commons, I urged her [Chancellor Rachel Reeves] to rethink these hikes and revise the discounts for the sector – but so far she has refused,” he said.

Mr Mayhew added: “The Conservatives have a plan to rescue the high street with a permanent 100% business rates relief for retail, hospitality and leisure premises up to £110,000 rateable value.”

Liberal Democrat councillor Rob Colwell and Labour councillor Sandra Collop, who each represent the Gaywood ward, have been approached for comment.