One in eight pubs to close by 2012

20th November 2008, 12:56pm

CAMRA, The Campaign for Real Ale has today claimed that the knock on effect from beer tax hikes, supermarket competition and the economic downturn will result in another 7,500 pubs shut down by the end of 2012.

The organisation has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer in an attempt to prevent thousands of pubs facing no other option than to close.

CAMRA is calling for: 

- a reduction in VAT in order to assist pubs. 

- an investigation into the feasibility of a reduced rate of tax on beer sold in pubs 

- a minimum price per unit of alcohol to prevent alcohol being sold at a loss in the off trade 

Chief executive, Mike Benner, said: "Action to support pubs in the Pre Budget report, next Monday, is essential in order to prevent a bloodbath of pub closures following the traditionally busy Christmas trading period. 

"This year's increase in beer tax has forced publicans to increase beer prices, making visiting the pub less affordable for hard pressed consumers. To ensure pub going remains affordable the Government must commit to a freeze on beer tax while they consider a reduced rate of tax on beer sold in pubs." 

"Well-run community pubs help reduce alcohol related disorder and binge drinking by providing a safe, controlled and supervised environment for people to have fun and enjoy a drink. Pubs play a vital role in community life and provide a much valued sociable leisure activity for millions."

Related Articles:

• 06 Mar 2009 - Closed pubs don't pay tax
• 02 Mar 2009 - New poll shows public are backing local pubs
• 26 Feb 2009 - Tories want to save the great British pub

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The Muddiford Inn & Restaurant

21 November 2008 at 12:17pm

We bought this buiness in July 2007 with high hopes, only to be dashed to the ground. Our Inn is the centre of our community and it is well run by our family. We never have any problems and do everything we can to encourage local and new customers but we are finding it very hard to survive. Due to the increase in tax on alcohol and other areas we had to increase our prices but absorb some of the increase ourselves. Customers comment on the price of drinks and are staying at home and not coming through the doors or come less frequently. A reduction in VAT and other taxes is necessary for us and other Pubs to survive. We all need help to prevent our Pubs closing and losing a fine tradition.

Weary

05 December 2008 at 7:06pm

I live opposite a "spit & sawdust" relic of another age, in fact we have one of these on four adjacent corners. All are magnets for trouble, screaming, bottle throwing and minor vandalism until the small hours each and every weekend. At these times we also cannot hear our television for "karoake", whose participants seem to mistake volume for talent. The sooner all these hell holes close the better! Lastly, why are the pubs not now full of non-smokers?

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