20-Feb-2009
Morning Advertiser - Tory campaign to save the pub
The Conservative Party has launched a campaign to save the pub
A new petition on the party’s website calls for:
• Cutting taxes on lower-alcohol drinks such as beer and raising taxes on “problem drinks like high-strength ciders and alcopops”. The aim is to “use the tax system to target binge drinking, whilst ensuring that responsible drinkers and the traditional British pub are not unfairly penalised”.
• Enforcing existing laws to deal firmly with irresponsible drinkers and premises
• Trusting adults to make informed choices, not punish them for the actions of an irresponsible minority.
• Supporting the British pub as a vital part of local communities.
The petition says: “With nearly six pubs closing every day of the week, and local pubs under threat, we the undersigned believe that the Government should be doing more to save the great British pub!
“Thirty three percent of the price of every pint goes in beer tax to the Chancellor. Now the Government plans to increase beer tax further.”
Shadow Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: “We all have our favourite local pub but up and down the country people have been losing theirs.
“Not only are they a critical part of our heritage but they are often hubs for local communities helping social groups, sports clubs and often even the village shop.
“For too long the Government has tried to tackle binge drinking by punishing responsible drinkers and landlords. With massive tax hikes and heavy handed regulation all Labour will succeed in doing is closing down more pubs. This has to stop. We should be proud of our brewers and proud of our pub industry and do what we can to support it which is why today we are launching this campaign.”
Shadow Business Minister Mark Prisk added: “The future of British pubs are under threat and we must do all we can to save these great British institutions.
“Pubs are often small family run businesses not only are they the social heart of their communities, they also provide jobs, and support the British brewing industry.
“Now in the face of great adversity, we must do all we can to save our local pub.”
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