TWO pubs in Basingstoke are to cut the price of all food and drink by 7.5 per cent on Thursday, 13 September.

The Maidenhead Inn, in Winchester Street, and The Angel, in Festival Place, are supporting a national Tax Equality Day, which aims to have a VAT reduction in the hospitality industry.

At present all food and drink in pubs is subject to 20 per cent VAT, compared to supermarkets which benefit from a zero VAT on all food.

Prices at the Wetherspoon pubs will be reduced for one day only.

The Maidenhead Inn manager, Jonathan Fletcher, said: "We are proud to support the campaign to reduce the level of VAT within the pub industry.

"Customers coming to the pubs on Thursday, 13 September will find the price of their food and drink is lower than normal.

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

"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 an integral part."