Islanders heading to either of the Isle of Wight’s Wetherspoon pubs on Thursday will see the price of every food and drink item cut by 7.5% – but the reduction will last for just 1 day.
S. Fowler & Co. in Union Street, Ryde, and The Man in the Moon in St James Street, Newport, will reduce their prices tomorrow (17th September) as part of Tax Equality Day.
The nationwide initiative aims to highlight calls for a reduction in VAT for the hospitality industry.
For example, a meal and drinks which would normally cost a total of £10 will be reduced to £9.25 during the promotion.
The discount will apply to all food and drink at both Isle of Wight pubs for the duration of Thursday only, before prices return to normal.
Wetherspoon says the initiative is designed to demonstrate how customers could benefit if VAT charged to pubs was permanently reduced.
At present, food and drink sold in pubs is subject to 20% VAT, while supermarkets benefit from a zero VAT rate on food.
The pub chain argues that this allows supermarkets to use the saving to sell alcohol at discounted prices and is calling for greater tax equality for the hospitality sector.
Steven Newby, Manager of S. Fowler & Co., has 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.”
