Devizes-based brewers Wadworth supported Tax Parity Day, on September 25th, with all 43 of their managed houses across the Wadworthshire area reducing prices by 7.5 percent. The cut which was funded by Wadworth for one day only, demonstrated to customers just how much a VAT reduction would benefit them.
The brewers joined over 40 other major UK companies for this national day of action which campaigned for a VAT cut in the hospitality sector from the current 20 per cent on all food and drink to 5 per cent. This would help to close the gap with supermarkets which have zero VAT for food sales.
The companies taking part are all members of the VAT Club JB, a campaign group set up by VAT campaigner Jacques Borel who has successfully fought for lower VAT rates across Europe.
“The hospitality sector is charged 20 per cent VAT on sales, whereas supermarkets pay virtually no VAT on food sales. This additional expense is leading to fewer people eating out because of the increasing cost,” explains Emma Cottam, Wadworth Marketing Manager. “Taking a stand and supporting Tax Parity day is our way of supporting our pubs, our staff and our customers.”
A few of the company’s tenanted properties also took part in the day of action. This support demonstrates just how important tax parity is to pubs, as the tenants funded the action themselves.
Jacques Borel said “VAT Club JB are delighted that Wadworth took part in Tax Equality Day again this year. The day was an outstanding success in bringing our case to the public awareness and increasing support from the industry”.
ENDS
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