Ealing Pub Group’s VAT Campaign Benefits Drinkers in Cheers!
DRINKERS in Ealing will be in for a treat as three Wetherspoons pubs in the area have decided to reduce the price of all food and drink by 7.5 per cent on September 12. This move is part of a campaign to bring attention to the gap in VAT rates between pubs and supermarkets.
The Red Lion & Pineapple in Acton High Street, The Sir Michael Balcon in The Mall, Ealing, and The Greenwood Hotel in Whitton Avenue West, Northolt, will all be participating in this initiative for one day only. This special day, known as Tax Equality Day, aims to highlight the fact that while pubs are subjected to a 20 per cent VAT on all food and drink, supermarkets enjoy a zero VAT rate on food, allowing them to offer alcohol at lower prices.
For instance, if a customer spends £10 on food and drink at one of these pubs on Tax Equality Day, they will only pay £9.25. This discount serves as a reminder of the challenges that pubs face due to the tax discrepancies they encounter.
Alessandro Piano, the manager of Red Lion and Pineapple, expressed his support for the campaign by stating, “Pubs have been under fantastic pressure for decades due to the tax disadvantages. It doesn’t make sense for the hospitality industry to subsidise supermarkets. We urge the Chancellor to create tax equality between pubs and supermarkets.”
This call for tax equality is not only beneficial for pub-goers in Ealing who can enjoy discounted prices for a day, but it also sheds light on the larger issue of supporting the hospitality industry. Pubs play a significant role in the community, providing a space for social interactions and gatherings. By addressing the tax imbalances, policymakers can help ensure the sustainability of these establishments.
In addition to offering lower prices on Tax Equality Day, the participating pubs are raising awareness about the challenges they face in competing with supermarkets. While this initiative may only last for a day, its impact resonates with a wider audience, encouraging discussions on fair tax practices and the importance of supporting local businesses.
As Ealing residents raise a glass to this VAT campaign, they are not just enjoying a discount on their drinks – they are also standing in solidarity with pubs across the country, advocating for a level playing field in the hospitality sector. Cheers to a future where pubs and supermarkets can thrive equally, providing customers with quality food and drink options at reasonable prices.
