Thousands of outlets estimated to engage in Tax Parity Day
With just eight days to go until Tax Parity Day, those companies taking part include: JD Wetherspoon, Punch, Pizza Hut, Fuller’s, Shepherd Neame, Hall & Woodhouse, St Austell, Charles Wells, Davy’s, Oakman Inns and Restaurants, Whiting & Hammomd, New Pub Company, Sankey’s, Wadworth, Everards, Convivial London Pubs and Amber Taverns. Hertfordshire brewer and pub operator McMullen’s is the latest to join the campaign.
The source also expected more than 1,000 Asian restaurants to take part on 25 September.
“We estimate several thousand single site licensees will take part. In total the estimate is between 10,000 and 15,000 participating outlets.”
On the day, operators will reduce their prices by 7.5% to show the benefits of a VAT cut.
Asked about how the campaign will be judged to be successful, a spokesman said: “I think it is already a success in as much as so many pubs are participating and customers will start to talk about it. Yes pubs would expect an uplift in sales though it is not intended that they report back. Ultimately they will be able to judge its success.”
Peter Furness-Smith, managing director of McMullen’s, said: “The current tax disparity, and subsequent price effect, is a material factor in driving individuals away from the pub to eating and drinking at home.
“It is a shame that taxation policy does not acknowledge that there is a basic human need for social interaction and that pubs provide a supervised environment where we can relax and enjoy the company of others.”
