Hibs reveal reduction in ticket prices after VAT cut

HIBS today became the first SPL club to announce they are to drop ticket prices following the emergency cut in the standard rate of VAT.

Fans will enjoy a 50p reduction in prices which will come into effect for the visit of Hamilton a week on Saturday.

Supporters going to this Sunday's televised clash with SPL leaders Celtic won't, however, benefit with Hibs insisting this is mainly due to the significant administrative costs that would be involved in processing any rebates that may be due and also to ensure that price consistency has been maintained across all spectators. Any VAT rebates Hibs are able to obtain from HM Revenue and Customs in respect of this match will be donated to charity.

And Hibs claimed that applying a 50p decrease across the board will deliver greater reductions in most categories than is created by the VAT change alone.

To take advantage of these reduced prices, tickets must be pre-purchased through the club ticket office in advance of each fixture with prices now set at £21.50 (adults) and £11.50 (concessions).

Cash turnstiles will, however, continue to allow access at the existing prices of £22 and £12.

Supporters who have already bought pre-purchased individual tickets for the Hamilton fixture before today will be able to obtain a 50p per ticket rebate by taking their tickets to the ticket office before 5pm on Friday, December 12.

The drop in the VAT rate will also mean half-season tickets will be further reduced as of today but there will be no joy for full season ticket holders who won't be entitled to a refund following discussions between Hibs and HM Revenue and Customs.

Hibs, though, have promised to continue the fight on behalf of full season ticket holders for a rebate. A club official said: "Initial consultation with HM Revenue and Customs and professional advisors has suggested that the club is unlikely to be successful in making a retrospective claim for reduced VAT on full season tickets already sold.

"The technical reasons being that both payment and commencement of benefits were before December 1 and therefore the 17.5 per cent VAT rate must apply. This contrasts with half season tickets where the commencement of benefits falls after December 1. Despite this initial advice, the club will continue to pursue the opportunity for VAT reclaim in respect of full season tickets."

Meanwhile, Hibs boss Mixu Paatelainen today insisted no-one should be too disappointed with a point from Falkirk, although he claimed his side should have won the match rather than being forced to settle for a 1-1 draw thanks to a late equaliser from substitute Colin Nish.

He said: "We knew before the game they would have a lot of the ball as they do against everyone and we knew we would have to defend well, which we did.

"Falkirk had a lot of the ball in midfield but didn't really create many chances and I was thinking one or two goals for us would be enough and, our goal apart, I counted four clear-cut chances."