VAT on food and drink for Wedding

Evilm

The thing that I remember when we did our wedding is that the food price included the extra labour costs caused by catering for a wedding. Its higher than a small family meal etc. We only paid a small amount for hiring the venue and the rest of the costs were covered by higher food prices than they normally charged in the restaurant. I must admit that when we were looking I knew already that Catering prices for this sort of thing prices are quoted without VAT in brochures etc.

If you are unhappy change venue. But they have told you before you paid a deposit and committed so they are being aboveboard.

paddyrg

Just to address the 'cash' thing - bit of a red herring - business banking accounts charge a percentage of any cash banked, so it is only any value to wide boys/people not declaring the income. Cheapest for them will be a bank transfer (free) but they don't seem in the mood for haggling, perhaps because they know they can fill the place anyway?

thenudeone

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/Taxes/BeginnersGuideToTax/VAT/DG_190918

Prices in advertisements, catalogues and price lists
Products advertised in outlets, magazines, on the internet, or shown in catalogues, price lists and other literature may be aimed at the consumer, businesses, or both. If they're only meant for the general public, they'll show you a price including VAT. This is a legal requirement.

If you are were quoted £50 for a wedding meal, then £50 is the price you are contracted to pay, including VAT if relevant. Businesses don't get married!

Point out that you have a legally binding contract and that you expect them to honour it.

Flyboy152

thenudeone wrote: »

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/Taxes/BeginnersGuideToTax/VAT/DG_190918

Prices in advertisements, catalogues and price lists
Products advertised in outlets, magazines, on the internet, or shown in catalogues, price lists and other literature may be aimed at the consumer, businesses, or both. If they're only meant for the general public, they'll show you a price including VAT. This is a legal requirement.

If you are were quoted £50 for a wedding meal, then £50 is the price you are contracted to pay, including VAT if relevant. Businesses don't get married!

Point out that you have a legally binding contract and that you expect them to honour it.

But the OP didn't have a contract. The literature containing the prices was just a menu.

But great find with the link.

mrschaucer

Just be aware that if you succeed in beating them down to a final price of £50 pp instead of £60, you might end up with 20% less food on your plates ...

Equaliser123

thenudeone wrote: »

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/Taxes/BeginnersGuideToTax/VAT/DG_190918

Prices in advertisements, catalogues and price lists
Products advertised in outlets, magazines, on the internet, or shown in catalogues, price lists and other literature may be aimed at the consumer, businesses, or both. If they're only meant for the general public, they'll show you a price including VAT. This is a legal requirement.

If you are were quoted £50 for a wedding meal, then £50 is the price you are contracted to pay, including VAT if relevant. Businesses don't get married!

Point out that you have a legally binding contract and that you expect them to honour it.

I think you need to read the background in a bit more detail.

Flyboy152

mrschaucer wrote: »

Just be aware that if you succeed in beating them down to a final price of £50 pp instead of £60, you might end up with 20% less food on your plates ...

I'd dare say that is something they would try, but if it is agreed on about portion sizes beforehand and they didn't supply what they had promised, I'd see a refund coming.

fallenstar_2

Thanks for all your advice on this. There have been some good points, and glad I have asked the community. If anything I am just annoyed that they can factor in VAT after quoting £50 pp, when I know there normal in restaurant rates do not come close to that.
I have followed up with the restaurant and told them I thought that it was misleading, however they still don't seem that bothered about it, so I doubt I will be bothered with giving them my money!

Thank You all, again

Flyboy152

fallenstar wrote: »

Thanks for all your advice on this. There have been some good points, and glad I have asked the community. If anything I am just annoyed that they can factor in VAT after quoting £50 pp, when I know there normal in restaurant rates do not come close to that.
I have followed up with the restaurant and told them I thought that it was misleading, however they still don't seem that bothered about it, so I doubt I will be bothered with giving them my money!

Thank You all, again

Quote them the regulation that Thenudeone gave you and let them know that you might feel like telling trading standards.

paddyrg

Flyboy152 wrote: »

Quote them the regulation that Thenudeone gave you and let them know that you might feel like telling trading standards.

...if you don't mind the fact they may decide to take a different booking instead, if you're a 'troublemaker' - is it worth it? Up to you!