Northumberland pubs to cut food and drink prices for one day
Four pubs in Northumberland and North Tyneside are to cut the price of all food and drink for one day this month.
The Fire Station in Whitley Bay, The Red Lion in Bedlington, John The Clerk of Cramlington and The Wallaw Blyth are supporting Tax Equality Day, aimed at highlighting the benefit of a VAT reduction in the hospitality industry.
Prices at the Wetherspoon pubs will be reduced by 7.5% for one day only.
So, for example, the total price of a meal and drinks for an individual will be reduced from £10 to £9.25 on Tax Equality Day.
At present all food and drink in pubs is subject to 20% VAT, compared to supermarkets which benefit from a zero VAT rate on all food.
As a result, supermarkets are able to use that saving to sell alcohol at a discounted price.
The Red Lion manager, Stephen Bell, said: “We are proud to support the campaign to reduce the level of VAT within the hospitality industry.
“Customers coming to the pub on Thursday 17 September will find the price of their food and drink is lower than normal.
“We are keen to highlight the amount customers could save if VAT in pubs was lowered permanently.
“A reduction in the level of VAT on a long-term basis will generate growth and create jobs in the important hospitality sector and help the high street, of which pubs are an integral part.”