Thousands of pubs and restaurants cut the price of food and alcohol to highlight the benefit of a VAT reduction in the hospitality industry.

Around 15,000 venues across the country, including firms in Brighton and Hove, reduced their prices by 7.5% yesterday.

The move aimed to highlight the difference in tax rates with supermarkets, which benefit from a zero VAT rate, compared to 20% VAT on all food and drink in pubs in England.

The campaign was organised by veteran VAT cut campaigner Jacques Borel, who has secured VAT cuts in France, Germany, Belgium and Finland.


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Karl Simpson, landlord of the Cliftonville Inn in George Street, Hove, said customers had “really appreciated” the drop in prices.

He added: “We’ve been quite busy today as a result of the cut and for the customers who didn’t know it was a pleasant surprised when I told them their food or drinks would be cheaper.

“There’s a similar system in France that works really well. It’s something we need here, no doubt.”