Reeves must cut taxes to level the playing field between shops and pubs, says Wetherspoon boss

The boss of Wetherspoons has urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to cut taxes, levelling the playing field between shops and pubs.

Tim Martin praised Reeves’ “pedigree” at the Bank of England and said he hoped it would help hospitality venues.

Martin has long complained that supermarkets pay no VAT on food, while pubs pay 20 per cent.

“The last government failed to implement tax equality between pubs and supermarkets, leading to pub closures and under-investment,” he said.

‘Wetherspoons hopes the Chancellor will understand how many beans add up to five and correct this inequality.’

The group said sales had reached “record levels” this year. In the ten weeks to July 7, they rose by 5.8 percent.

There were also big sales despite it getting rid of 26 pubs this year.

In 2015 the company had 950 employees and its annual profits are expected to be around £75 million.

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