VAT Rate on Family Activities Cut to 5 Percent for Nine Weeks

A temporary cut in the standard VAT rate from 20 percent to 5 percent on certain family meals, tickets and admissions starts today and continues for nine weeks. The reduction applies to children’s menu meals consumed on restaurant premises, children’s and family tickets for cinemas, theatres, concerts, shows and exhibitions, and admission tickets for amusement parks, fairs, museums, zoos, soft play centres, circuses, adventure parks, nature reserves, wildlife parks and observation attractions.

Several national chains have stated they will pass the savings on to customers. These include Merlin Entertainments, which operates Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Legoland and Chessington World of Adventure, as well as Butlin’s, Haven Holidays and Gulliver’s.

Cinema operators Odeon, Vue and Cineworld have also confirmed reduced family prices. Restaurant and pub chains Nando’s, McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King, Greene King, Wetherspoons and Shepherd Neame have likewise announced participation.

Officials estimate that full pass-through of the cut could reduce a family theme-park ticket by up to £20, an aquarium visit by up to £11 and a children’s restaurant meal by up to £2. The measure was first announced in May and is scheduled to end when schools reopen in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.