Food and drink at Wetherspoon pubs across Notts will be cheaper than ever today. The pub chain is cutting prices by 7.5 per cent for one day only as part of its Tax Equality Day.
The annual event highlights the "unfair" tax burden on the hospitality industry compared to supermarkets.
The price-cut means that the normal price of a meal and drink will be reduced from £10 to £9.25.
At present, all food and drink in pubs is subject to 20 per cent VAT, compared with supermarkets which benefit from zero-rate VAT on all food.
As a result, supermarkets are able to use that saving to sell alcohol at a discounted price.
Alex Darby, manager of The Roebuck Inn, in St James's Street, in the city centre said: "We are keen to highlight the amount customers could save if VAT in pubs was lowered permanently."
Wetherspoon boss Tim Martin, said: "Pubs suffer a huge disadvantage, paying about 16 pence in business rates per pint versus about two pence for supermarkets.
“In addition, there is a huge VAT inequality and unfairness.
“A reduction in the level of VAT, on a long-term basis, will create a level playing field and generate growth and jobs in the important leisure and hospitality sector and help the high street, of which pubs form an integral part.
“Customers coming to our pubs on Thursday 19 September will find that the price of their food and drinks is lower than normal. We are keen to highlight the amount customers could save, if VAT in pubs were lowered permanently.
“We’re aiming to make it the busiest day of the entire year in our pubs.”
Wetherspoon's stand is backed by the UK Hospitality’s chief executive, Kate Nicholls, who said: “Tax Equality Day is a great way to highlight just how hospitality businesses are disproportionately hit by VAT.
“Pubs are paying around one-third of their turnover in tax, which seriously restricts their ability to invest in their venues and staff and increases prices for customers.
“A cut in the rate of VAT for the hospitality sector could help to address this unfairness and allow pubs and bars to invest in their businesses and staff members, while providing even greater choice for customers.”
