Wetherspoons Chairman Criticizes Tax Inequities Impacting Pubs

Tim Martin calls for VAT reform to address rising costs and level the playing field between pubs and supermarkets.

JD Wetherspoons reported a 5.1% rise in like-for-like sales over the 25 weeks ending January 19, with food and bar sales showing strong growth.
The company anticipates a £60 million increase in costs this year due to higher employer National Insurance contributions and minimum wage hikes from Rachel Reeves's autumn budget.
Chairman Tim Martin reiterated his demand for VAT reform, highlighting that supermarkets benefit from a zero VAT rate on food sales, unlike pubs which pay 20%.
Martin argued that the tax disparity allows supermarkets to subsidize beer prices, putting pubs at a competitive disadvantage and threatening their viability.
Wetherspoons plans to open nine new pubs this year while managing a debt forecasted to reach £680–£700 million by year-end.