Gaming machines VAT payback for Greene King
Greene King has claimed back £6.1m in overpaid VAT on gaming machines at its managed pubs.
The money has been claimed from HM Revenue & Customs after a High Court judge ruled that charging VAT on some machines — including category C AWP machines used in pubs — and not others, broke EU competition law.
It follows news in May that JD Wetherspoon had claimed back £14.9m in overpaid VAT on machines.
A statement in Greene King's annual report 2010 says: "During the year the company received a refund of £6.1m from HMRC in respect of VAT on gaming machines."
The report adds: "The decisions that resulted in this refund have been referred to the European Court of Justice. Should HMRC be successful in their appeal the group would be required to repay the refund, and as such this represents a contingent liability."
