Outrage: Subway Are Starting To Charging You For Heated Sandwiches

'Cheese and toasted?' - a common question that most of us answer with a polite nod and a gentle 'yes' every time we're in a Subway.

Next time we're asked it, though, we may think again.

In 2012, a 'pasty tax' proposal saw the government want to levy 20 percent VAT on hot takeaway food.

It never got off the ground, with food remaining at a zero percent level for VAT. However, the government did implement a tax (again, at 20 percent) for hot sandwiches.

Credit: PA

Subway, until now, have (kindly) absorbed the charge for us.

But, they've had a change of mind, and will start passing it on to the consumer.

For most of us, you won't notice it just yet, but the extra charges are being trialled in the West Midlands.

The super-chain currently has 2,500 stores across the UK, with around 40 in Birmingham (only a small portion of the West Midlands).

At the moment, the average six-inch sub costs £3.49, with the additional heated tax that could now rise to £4.18.

Credit: PA

In a statement, a spokesperson for Subway said: "Since changes to VAT in 2012 (the pasty tax) Subway has repeatedly tried to challenge the law in order to protect the customer.

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

"The dual-pricing menu is similar to what customers see on other high-street chain menus, which ensures that customers pay the lowest price for products which do not attract VAT.

"Subway stores are individually owned and operated, store owners set their own prices and they may vary."

Naturally, many people weren't happy on social media.

Subway's popularity, until now at least, has seen the company rocket its store numbers. With well over 2,000 in the UK they rake in £515m per year.

The UK currently plays home to five percent of the entire Subway stores across the world. They've a total of 44,000 in 112 countries.

Places like Andorra, Anguilla, Djibouti, Dominica, Marshall Islands, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Latvia all play home to one solitary Subway.

Proof there is a subway on the Virgin Islands. Credit: Google Maps

On the flip side, the US has 26,279. Somehow, I don't think they'll be too bothered about Barry from Bolton's outrage.

Topics: Subway

Michael Minay

Mike Minay is a trending journalist at LADbible. He’s co-ordinated interviews with some of the big names from the world of news and sport including ITV’s Robert Peston, Sky Sports’ Jeff Stelling and darts champion Michael van Gerwen. His reporting days began on University radio in Birmingham, before moving to BBC Sport Online – creating content for large events such as Wimbledon and the FA Cup final. Mike still commentates on Football League matches at the weekend. A Manchester LAD at heart.

@MikeMinay