THREE pubs in Wyre Forest will cut the price of all food and drink by seven and a half per cent on Wednesday, September 24.

Ye Olde Crown Inn in Bridge Street, Stourport, The Penny Black in Bull Ring, Kidderminster and George Hotel in Load Street, Bewdley, are backing national Tax Equality Day which aims to highlight the benefit of a VAT reduction in the hospitality industry.

Prices at the Wetherspoon pubs will be reduced for one day only, in order to show the benefits of a VAT reduction from 20 to five per cent.

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

Mathew Irvine, manager of The Penny Black, said: "We are proud to support the campaign to reduce the level of VAT within the pub industry.

"Customers coming to the pubs on the day 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.

"So, for example, the total price of a meal and drinks for a customer at the pubs would be reduced from £10 to £9.25 on Tax Equality Day."

Tim Martin, chairman of Wetherspoon chain, added: "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.

"Creating tax equality between pubs, restaurants and supermarkets will fulfil many government objectives.

"It will create more jobs and it will raise the amount of taxes the government receive, since pubs and restaurants pay more taxes and create more jobs than supermarkets.

"It's a win win situation for the government, voters and our industry."