AN Oldbury boozer will cut all its food and drink prices by 7.5 per cent for one day only in a protest over tax.

The Court of Requests, in Church Street, is backing a national Tax Equality Day, aimed at highlighting the benefit of a VAT reduction in the hospitality industry.

Prices at the Wetherspoon pub will be reduced on Wednesday, September 20, in order to show how a tax drop would help customers.

At the moment, 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.

The pub’s manager, Kirsty Hopkins, said: “We are proud to support the campaign to reduce the level of VAT within the pub industry.

“Customers coming to the pub on Wednesday, September 20, 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.”