Nobody Expects a Free Lunch...But Cheaper Would be Nice

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• Nobody Expects a Free Lunch...But Cheaper Would be Nice

24 September 2014 | Updated 01 January 1970

Currently all food and drink in UK pubs is subject to 20 per cent VAT, compared to supermarkets which benefit from a zero VAT rate, Weatherspoons pub chain owner Jacques Borel sees this as both unfair and a brake to job growth - and also a hindrance to workers getting a decent lunchtime meal at a reasonable price.

So he has encouraged 15,000 UK food outlets to cut the price of food and drink by 7.5 per cent, demonstrating the benefits of a VAT reduction in the hospitality industry - and he's hoping it will be one of the busiest weekdays of the year.

Borel has achieved similar VAT cuts in France, Germany, Belgium and Finland - which some would argue is jolly unfair on the UK.

Mr Borel said:   “My message is clear – 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 - and it will help ensure that the average British worker can enjoy a meal away from the office or workplace at a reasonable rate, especially where employers are not providing catering facilities.”

Pictured: Tax campaigner Jacques Borel with JDW chairman Tim Martin

Article written by Roy Winters | Published 24 September 2014

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