Wetherspoon pubs cut prices for Tax Equality Day campaign

Several Wetherspoon pubs, including locations in Swansea such as The Potters Wheel, The Bank Statement, The Red Lion Inn, and The Mardy Inn, are reducing food and drink prices by 7.5% on Thursday, September 17.

This one-day price reduction is part of a lobbying initiative called ‘Tax Equality Day’. The campaign aims to advocate for a permanent reduction in the Value Added Tax (VAT) applied to the hospitality industry. Wetherspoon argues that the current tax structure allows supermarkets to undercut pubs, noting that while most supermarket food is zero-rated for VAT, food served in pubs is taxed at 20%.

Company founder Tim Martin has previously highlighted disparities in business rates, claiming pubs pay significantly more per pint than supermarkets. Management stated that a permanent VAT reduction would help generate growth, create jobs, and support the high street and the social fabric of the nation.