Pubs that run quizzes and karaoke nights have always paid more in tax according to the government agency that works out how businesses are taxed.
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) made the statement following a Conservative MP claim that pubs hosting these events would pay more under new rules.
Eric Pickles, Conservative Shadow Secretary of State for Local Government, said activities such as pool, darts and league football teams as well as having a beer garden and children's play areas, would mean pubs would have to pay more in rates.
He said: "In his usual sneaky way, Gordon Brown is planning a raid into the heart of middle England - to tax the traditional pub quiz."
However, the VOA hit back saying that events such as pub quizzes and other facilities had always been taken into consideration when calculating a pub's rateable value.
A spokesperson said: "Events and facilities, such as quizzes, darts and pool, either provide an indication of the popularity and therefore likely potential trade of the pub or constitute facilities likely to enhance trade."
But Pickles added that new US technology has been introduced, able to calculate features like "scenic views" as well as a number of bedrooms, conservatories and patios into rateable calculations.
Dave Hogarth, managing director of the National Quiz network of pub quizzes, said it wouldn't affect its members as his quiz doesn't involve hiring equipment.
But he added: "Some businesses will be paying a double whammy having to pay for expensive equipment and then paying out for extra tax."
Michael Hughes, assistant manager at the Royal Standard, in Camberley, Surrey, said: "It seems like we're going back to medieval times when they put tax on glass windows."
Lyn Warner, licensee at the Express Inn, Malvern, Worcester, said: "They've stopped people smoking and you try and get more people in with quizzes and other things. What are they trying to do - kill the English pub?"