Tories want to save the great British pub

26th February 2009, 4:42pm

The Conservative Party has launched a campaign that throws support behind the pub industry and urges the current government to do more for pubs within local communities.

With only weeks to go until beer tax is increased even further, the Conservative's campaign focuses on four main points:

• Cutting taxes on lower alcohol drinks such as low alcohol beers and raising taxes on problem drinks like high strength ciders and alcopops in order 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 & 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

Jeremy Hunt, Shadow Culture Secretary explained why this campaign has been launched: "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 them - which is why we are launching this campaign."

Mark Prisk, Shadow Business Minister 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."

The campaign has been widely welcomed by the industry. Chief executive of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers, Nick Bish said: "The Conservatives are right to focus on the enforcement of existing laws. The Government's habit of producing knee-jerk legislation has been awful for our industry. What the Tories must now do is match its words with action and galvanise opposition to the Government's plans for a mandatory alcohol code. Whilst any improvement from the status quo is good news, we must hear more detail about these Conservative plans - the proof of the pudding is in the eating."

Related Articles:

• 01 Jun 2009 - New figures show UK near top of EU beer tax league
• 08 Apr 2009 - Tax rises will result in pub job losses
• 18 Mar 2009 - New figures show 3.2% fall in alcohol consumption
• 17 Mar 2009 - Drinks industry leaders meet with the Chancellor
• 16 Mar 2009 - Minimum alcohol price plans to be unveiled
• 13 Mar 2009 - Taxation on pubs has gone too far, says Wetherspoon
• 12 Mar 2009 - 30,000 people support local pubs
• 10 Mar 2009 - BBPA chief steps down after 10 years
• 06 Mar 2009 - Closed pubs don't pay tax
• 03 Mar 2009 - Tackling Scotland's alcohol misuse problems
• 02 Mar 2009 - New poll shows public are backing local pubs
• 10 Feb 2009 - Over 100 MPs back the great British pub
• 27 Jan 2009 - Beer sales down by 8.3%
• 20 Nov 2008 - One in eight pubs to close by 2012
• 10 Nov 2008 - Thousands of pubs could get tax reduction
• 11 Mar 2008 - CAMRA calls for one penny cut in beer tax

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