I just read that the French have cut the tax on booze (maybe only in restaurants, not sure) to aid their economy - from 19.6% to 5.5%.

I trust you lot will do your bit to help the French economy out in these hard times   :P

Where did you read that Smokie?
VAT on restaurant bills will reduce from 19.6% to 5.5% on July 1st - too late for this year's race, but booze per se ???

Sorry to put your smoke out but that is the new law that will apply from 1/1/10 and is a reduction in VAT from 19.6% to 5.5% on all restaurants. It will not apply to takeaways nor to supermarkets. The 5.5% already applies to home improvements if done by a registered craftsman (builder, plumber, chippy, sparks etc.) and was designed to reduce the amount of people being employed on the black. You automatically get a guarantee here from a registered person. France has been battling the EU over the restaurants for years and have finally got their OK for next year.

As it will make quiet a bit of difference to our summer holiday to France in August, which is correct?

1st July or 1st January 2010?

1st July. It was originally expected for 1st January, but announced as 1st July on 28th April to benefit this year's tourist season.

Quote from: Kpy on May 18, 2009, 04:56:36 PM
1st July. It was originally expected for 1st January, but announced as 1st July on 28th April to benefit this year's tourist season.

Thanks Kpy, just been looking at reports on the web, seems some confusion in the British press.
Hopefully save us a few bob on cafe noirs and meals whilst on holiday. :) :)
Good news for once. ;D

You're welcome Barry. Here's the French link
http://tinyurl.com/o5vrf2

Quote from: Kpy on May 18, 2009, 04:23:15 PM
Where did you read that Smokie?
VAT on restaurant bills will reduce from 19.6% to 5.5% on July 1st - too late for this year's race, but booze per se ???

I never let the facts get in the way of a good story...  :)