By Frankie Barron

Two Wetherspoon pubs in Weymouth will cut prices of food and drink to highlight VAT inequalities.

The Swan in St Thomas Street and The William Henry in Frederick Place are supporting Tax Equality Day on Thursday September 19.

The prices at the Wetherspoon pubs will be reduced by 7.5 per cent for the day to highlight the benefits of VAT reduction in the hospitality industry.

For example, the total price of a meal and drinks for a customer will be reduced from £10 to £9.25.

Currently, food and drink in pubs is subject to 20 per cent VAT, compared to supermarkets which have a zero VAT rate on all food.

As a result, supermarkets can use the saving to sell alcohol at a discounted price.

Wetherspoon's founder and chairman, Tim Martin said: "Pubs suffer a huge disadvantage, paying about 16 pence in business rates per pint versus about two pence for supermarkets. In addition, there is a huge VAT inequality and unfairness."

UK Hospitality's chief executive, Kate Nicholls, said: "Tax Equality Day is a great way to highlight just how hospitality businesses are disproportionately hit by VAT. Pubs are paying around one-third of their turnover in tax, which seriously restricts their ability to invest in their venues and increases prices for customers. A cut in the rate of VAT for the hospitality sector could help to address this unfairness and allow pubs and bars to invest in their businesses and staff members, while providing even greater choice for customers."