Stephen Williams said "Britain as a nation is becoming more obese and the Government needs to do everything in its power to tackle this problem. Pure fruit drinks are a source of nutrition, which all people can benefit from. We need to be encouraging people to become healthier, not dissuading them from purchasing health drinks by charging standard-rate VAT."
Despite Mr. Williams' dedication to increase healthy behaviour, the Government has agreed not to introduce any new zero-rated VAT items, including fruit drinks. Although unprocessed fruit as well as fruit pulp can be zero-rated, smoothies remain in the standard-rate category. Within the new regulations the Government now has the power to reduce VAT rates to as low as 5 per cent.
