J Holland and Sons director Charles Holland has described the “devastating” and “brutal” impact 25 percent MGD will have on the multi-generational amusement and attraction operator, telling reporters “we’ve never known such a hostile environment.”
Charles Holland, director of south west amusement and attractions operator J Holland and Sons, has described the “devastating” impact a higher rate of MGD will have on the venues it runs, including traditional seaside amusements such as Burnham-on-Sea Pavilion.
Speaking to Burnham-on-Sea.com, Holland described the chancellor’s decision to hike machines tax to 25 percent as “brutal” coming as it does on top of rising energy, employment and operational costs, as well as the threat of a tourist tax on overnight stays.
“It’s a devastating blow for us, really,” said Holland. “Seeing a 25 percent rate, it’s brutal. You know, in 60 years of doing business, we’ve never known such a hostile environment.”
“Successive governments seem to just ignore the seaside. And now we’ve been hit with very large increases. It’s going to affect our ability to invest in our premises, to retain staff, and ultimately to grow.”
J Holland and Sons has been involved in the UK amusements industry for more than five decades, and took on The Pavilion in Burnham from the Parkin family in 2017, investing heavily in improving the attraction’s arcade, repairs and renovation, as well as the £150,000 it takes each year to maintain the underside of the structure.
“We’ve seen a huge inflationary impact on our business. The cost of doing business is extreme. And we’ve seen energy costs go up.”
“For us, you know, the government came in promising growth in every postcode. It appears the seaside’s being left out of that. We’re also seeing the tourism tax introduced, which is going to possibly increase to overnight stays by 5 percent.”
A brutal offence
Charles Holland said… “For us, you know, the government came in promising growth in every postcode. It appears the seaside’s being left out of that. We’re also seeing the tourism tax introduced, which is going to possibly increase to overnight stays by 5 percent…
Originally published on Coinslot on November 9, 2026. Republished with permission.