By Rhiannon Oliver

Customers will be happy to hear drinks and food will be cheaper at a popular pub - although their furry friends can’t join them for a tipple.

Today, prices at the town’s Wetherspoon pub are being slashed as staff support a national tax equality day.

Suppers and diners can take advantage of a 7.5% discount at The Robert Pocock, in Windmill Street.

A meal and drink which would usually cost £10 will be just £9.25.

The pub’s manager, Lauren De Souza, said “We are keen to highlight the amount customers could save if VAT was lowered permanently.”

At the moment, all food and drink in pubs is subject 20% VAT, whilst supermarkets benefit from a zero rate on all food.

Team and trainee shift leader, Mark Burton, added: “We had the event last year and it was a good success.

“A lot of people come in for the cheaper food and make an extra effort to come out and have a few drinks or something to eat that day.”

However, this week the chain also tightened the leash on its dog ban.

Although the policy against pooches has been in place for decades, Monday staff are now strictly enforcing the ban.

Gravesend dog-owner and Wetherspoons regular Kuldip Dhanoya owns a husky called Saver.

He said: “I don’t see a problem with having dogs in the outdoor seating area.

“If it’s a question of hygiene, why have tables outside at all?”

However, the nearby riverside inn, The Three Daws, is more welcoming of the four legged friends.

Although no dogs are allowed inside, manager Lisa Bishop said having dogs in the outside area is no problem at all.

She added: “We find them quite friendly and give them cuddles and bowls of water.

“We don’t allow them inside as we serve food and it would be unhygienic, but outside is absolutely fine.”