Pub chain Wetherspoons has confirmed it will cut prices across all 800 of its venues, responding to the UK government's temporary VAT reduction on family activities. The tax will drop from 20% to 5% for three months, allowing Wetherspoons to lower costs on its children's menu from June 25 to September 1.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Great British Summer Savings initiative, which came into force last Thursday, prompted the price cuts. Children's meals will now cost £5.03, down from £5.75, while desserts will be reduced to £1.01 from £1.15. The reductions apply to food and drink served on the premises.
Other Businesses Joining the Scheme
Wetherspoons is not alone in embracing the tax break. Picturehouse, Everyman Cinemas, Vue, Butlin's, Shepherd Neame pubs, McDonald's, KFC, and Burger King are among the businesses cutting prices this summer. McDonald's, for example, has dropped the price of Happy Meals by 27% to just £2.99 across all restaurants.
The VAT reduction also covers children's and family tickets for cinemas, theatres, concerts, shows, exhibitions, and admission tickets to attractions such as amusement parks, fairs, museums, zoos, soft play centres, circuses, adventure parks, nature reserves, wildlife parks, and observation attractions.
Government and Industry Reactions
Prime Minister Keir Starmer commented on the scheme's introduction: "The cost of living isn't just about paying the bills, it's about being able to afford the moments that matter with your family. Whether it's a trip to the cinema, a day out together or family meal, too many parents have had to hold back because of pressure on household budgets - that's why we're slashing VAT on family days out this summer."
A spokesperson for Wetherspoons welcomed the temporary cut but reiterated the company's long-standing campaign for a permanent VAT reduction for the hospitality sector. "Wetherspoons welcomes the temporary cut on VAT on children's meals but a permanent reduction of VAT for the hospitality sector, which the company has campaigned for for many years, would bring much longer term benefits to both customers and businesses and create a level playing field with supermarkets," the spokesperson said.
