03-Apr-2008
Morning Advertiser - Interview with Licensing Minister Gerry Sutcliffe
In an interview this week, Licensing Minister Gerry Sutcliffe tells Andrew Pring the pub trade must move with the times
The Budget
AP: The pub trade warned the Chancellor that the current state of the market meant a duty rise would cripple its prospects. So everyone in the trade was shocked by the extent of the duty rises. Why did the Treasury not listen?
GS: The Treasury's argument is we have to maximise revenue, to help with issues like child poverty. Tax was 38% of a pint of beer in 1983 and now it's 28%. So the Treasury argues that this latest rise is a return to former times.
Personally, I think it's right for the industry to be upset about what's happened, although I think the personalisation campaign against the Chancellor is a bit silly. If we're to get Alistair to change his mind, I don't think banning him from every pub in the country is a good move.
Tough times
AP: The rate of pub closures is quite frightening, isn't it? What can you do about that? And do you see yourself as a champion of the pub?
GS: Yes, it is frightening. I recognise the pub trade is going through difficult times and there is concern in Government about the impact on jobs. But the marketplace is changing. The progressive side of the industry sees that - not everyone else does.
As a former competition minister, I know how concerned we were to have fair markets, but they are markets. And at the end of the day, the market determines what's going to happen. I am a champion of pubs, I like pubs, and many MPs do too. But I don't think Parliament could or should ever say, we must keep pubs open. That's not our job.
I know things are bad, but the question is, can the market sustain the current number of pubs? We know there are some successful companies, and they're focusing on things like meals and kids, which is great. But with more people drinking wine and staying at home, you've got to offer something that entices people out.
Where people have been ingenious is with things like Pub is the Hub, which I think is a great idea innovation that's working.
In the News
23-Mar-2012
Pub is The Hub Announces £1.3m Local Services Initiative for Welsh Pubs
Alun Davies, Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and European Programmes announced yesterday a £1.3m package of support for local services in rural pubs in Wales through a joint co-operation initiative between Pub is The Hub and Cadwyn Clwyd (the Regional Development Agency for Denbighshire and Flintshire).
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06-Mar-2012
Off to a great start in Lincolnshire
Seventeen pubs expressed their interest in diversification schemes at the Lincolnshire launch of Local Community Services Champions this week.
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25-Jan-2012
Free computer skills training in pubs
Pub is The Hub has joined forces with Lancashire County Council in their Local Community Services Champions initiative to provide free computer classes to absolute beginners.
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