The Government has been urged to extend its VAT cut on food in pubs to include beer.

The call comes from the British Beer & Pub Association, which wants the Government to follow the lead of Italy, Spain and other European nations after an EU directive allowing the targeted reductions of VAT.

While the trade association says it has been encouraging its members to sign up to the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, which starts on Monday, it says extending the VAT cut to beer would greatly support brewers and community pubs.

Chief executive Emma McClarkin said: "We welcome confirmation from the European Commission that VAT can be reduced on beer served in pubs and urge the UK Government to do so, as it has done for food and accommodation already.

"The cuts to VAT on food and accommodation, and the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, have been welcomed by our sector, and we continue to support and promote them.

"For community-led pubs that don't do food, and brewers, more support can and should be given."

She continued: "We urge the Government to extend its VAT cut on food and accommodation in pubs to include beer as well.

"Such a move will greatly support our world class brewers and community pubs across the UK that need and are deserving of more support."