Four pubs in Exeter are to cut the price of all food and drink by 7.5 per cent today.
The Imperial in New North Road, George's Meeting House in South Street, The Sawyer's Arms in Cowick Street and The Chevalier Inn in Fore Street, are backing a national Tax Equality Day, aimed at highlighting the benefit of a VAT reduction in the hospitality industry.
Prices at the Wetherspoon pubs will be reduced for one day only, in order to show the benefits of a VAT reduction to 5 per cent.
At present all food and drink in pubs is subject to 20 per cent VAT, compared with supermarkets which benefit from a zero VAT rate.
The Imperial manager, Mark Waites, said: "We are proud to support the campaign to reduce the level of VAT within the pub industry.
"Customers coming to the pubs on Wednesday September 24 will find the price of their food and drink is lower than normal.
"We are keen to highlight the amount customers would save if VAT in pubs was lowered.
"So, for example, the total price of a meal and drinks for a customer at the pubs would be reduced from £10 to £9.25 on Tax Equality Day."
In addition a pint of Carling, Foster's and Sharp's Doom Bar, together with a Gordon's Gin and Tonic and a glass of Coldwater Creek wine (from a choice of four) will each be available for £1.99 on the day to further highlight lower prices that could be offered with a VAT cut.
Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin added: "A reduction in the level of VAT on a long-term basis will generate growth and create jobs in the important leisure and hospitality sector.
"Creating tax equality between pubs, restaurants and supermarkets will fulfil many Government objectives.
"It will create more jobs and it will raise the amount of taxes the Government receive, since pubs and restaurants pay more taxes and create more jobs than supermarkets.
"It's a win win situation for the Government, voters and our industry."
