A pharmacy has sparked controversy by charging an extra 7 per cent to its male customers.

Thompsons Chemists in Soho, New York, posted signs on its window stating “all female customers shop tax free“ and "all male customers are subject to a 7 per cent man tax". A photo of the signs sparked fierce debate on Reddit and Facebook and was shared hundreds of thousands of times.

The chemist told the BBC that the move was intended to highlight the “pink tax”, after a recent study found female beauty products were 7 per cent more expensive than their male equivalents. The study found an even wider gap for adult clothes and personal care products.

“We wanted to share that women deserve to get a break, and men deserve to be charged 7 per cent more. Women are spending more in general and we make less, so we deserve to have a break,” Alony told the Daily Dot.

“We thought it’d be a great idea with all the political things going on—with Clinton being such a woman and the other guy and his womanizing,” Alony said.

Online reaction to the “man tax” has been passionate, with many accusing the chemist of “reverse sexism”.

One Imgur user said: “This is exactly why this new age feminism isn't liked. Feminism is about equality. This isn't.” Meanwhile others have supported the move.