Wetherspoons Tax Equality Thu 18 Sep

On Thursday 18 September, all Wetherspoon pubs will cut prices on food and drinks by 7.5%. This is to show how a permanent VAT cut could help the hospitality industry. For one day only, pubs will lower their prices to celebrate Tax Equality Day. In Scotland, because of the rules, the discount will only be on food and soft drinks. 

Suppose, a person spending £10 on food and drinks then will pay only £9.25 on Tax Equality Day. Every pint, every meal in pubs is hit with 20 per cent VAT. Supermarkets don’t pay VAT on food, so they can sell alcohol cheaper.

Tim Martin founder and chairman of Wetherspoon’s said:

The biggest problem for pubs and restaurants is unfair taxes compared to supermarkets. Supermarkets don’t pay VAT on food, but pubs, bars and restaurants pay 20per cent. That means supermarkets can use the savings to sell beer cheaper, while pubs have struggled for years under this pressure.

It’s not fair that hospitality businesses are effectively helping supermarkets. We believe VAT should be cut to 12.5 per cent so pubs, bars and restaurants can survive, invest and create jobs. On Thursday 18 September, customers will see lower food and drink prices in pubs to show how a tax cut could help. We call on the chancellor to make tax fair between pubs and supermarkets.

Note: In Scotland, discounts apply to food and soft drinks only. Offers depend on local rules and may change. Please check menus and info screens for details and allergens.