Toasted Subway sandwich fans will now have to pay more thanks to new VAT ruling

#SubwayGate

Olivia Petter
Friday 11 August 2017 10:45 EDT
Comments
(Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Toasted sandwiches just got political.

One of the best parts about ordering a hot sub at fast-food chain Subway, is that it arrives in a brand-wrapped parcel of goodness - fresh, tantalising and warm.

Alas, dear sarnie-lovers, VAT rulings have imposed a tax on hot sandwiches which means that asking for your sub to be toasted is going to cost you a just little bit more.

In 2012 George Osborne suggested introducing a 20 per cent VAT charge on cooked takeaway foods such as sausage rolls and pasties,.

Whilst “pastygate” was ultimately put to bed, the same proposed tax was rolled out on hot sandwiches instead.

The sly dogs at Subway tried to desist, re-branding their toasted subs as “hot bread sandwiches” (we see what you did there).

Unfortunately, after five years of BLT tomfoolery, Subway will now be charging extra for customers wishing to have their sandwich toasted.

Burn.

Prices for Subway sandwiches have gradually increased over the years.

A 6-inch sub has risen by 90p, which means that a toasted foot-long could cost you close to £5.

“Since changes to VAT in 2012 (the pasty tax) Subway has repeatedly tried to challenge the law in order to protect the customer,” a spokesman for Subway has said.

“Subway franchisees have been absorbing the VAT cost, charging a single price for food, whether hot or cold or eat-in or take-away.”

Understandably, customers are not best please and have taken to Twitter to document their heartache.

Where’s the nearest McDonald’s?

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in