The much-publicised Tax Parity Day is next Wednesday 25 September, when ten thousand and more UK bars and restaurants – including many Asian restaurants – are set to cut their prices by 7.5% in order to demonstrate the benefits of a cut in VAT.
There’s no doubt that the Day will have an impact – not just on the participating establishments and organisations, but hopefully also on their customers and, ultimately, on government. The Day is part of a long-term campaign to persuade Government to reduce the VAT paid by the hospitality sector, whilst supermarkets in particular enjoy freedom from charging VAT.
Organisations supporting the Day include J D Wetherspoon – their founder Tim Martin has been both visible and fluent in support – Punch, Pizza Hut, Fuller’s, Shepherd Neame and – most recently – McMullen’s. Their national coverage and support should ensure widespread publicity and attention.
Tim Martin commented: “We’re aiming to make it the busiest day of the year. Creating tax parity among pubs, restaurants and supermarkets will create more jobs and raise the amount of tax that government receives. It’s a win-win situation for government, voters and our industry.”