THREE pubs in Ealing borough are to cut the price of all food and drink by 7.5 per cent on Wednesday, September 20.

The Red Lion & Pineapple in Acton High Street, The Sir Michael Balcon in The Mall, Ealing, and The Greenwood Hotel in Whitton Avenue West, Northolt, are backing a national Tax Equality Day, aimed at highlighting the benefit of a VAT reduction in the hospitality industry.

Prices at the Wetherspoon pubs will be reduced for one day only, to show the benefits of a VAT reduction.

At present, all food and drink in pubs is subject to 20 per cent VAT, compared to supermarkets which benefit from a zero VAT rate on all food. As a result, supermarkets are able to use that saving to sell alcohol at a discounted rate.

Maja Lubkowska, manager of The Sir Michael Balcon, said: "We are proud to support the campaign to reduce the level of VAT within the pub industry.

"Customers coming to the pubs on September 20 will find the price of their food and drink is lower than normal.

"We are keen to highlight the amount customers would save if VAT in pubs was lowered permanently.

"For  example, the total price of a meal and drinks for an individual would be reduced from £10 to £9.25 on Tax Equality Day.

"A reduction in the level of VAT on a long-term basis will generate growth and create jobs in the important leisure and hospitality sector and help the high street of which pubs are in integral part.”