Next month’s Autumn Statement a ‘make or break’ moment for nation’s pubs, consumers warn Jeremy Hunt
Action from the Chancellor of the Exchequer to cut duty on beer and cider served in pubs, extend help with business rates and deliver a fair deal on energy costs are needed to save the future of the UK’s pubs.
That’s the message from the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), whose 150,000 members are sending messages to the Chancellor and MPs ahead of the Autumn Statement on 22 November in a bid to protect community pubs and social clubs.
CAMRA members in all corners of the UK are contacting their local MP to ask them to support the organisation’s ‘Save Our Pubs’ campaign ahead of the Autumn Statement, which calls on the Chancellor to:
- Reduce duty on draught beer and cider – cutting tax on pints in pubs to help them compete with the likes of supermarket alcohol.
- Replace business rate relief schemes in England which are due to end next year – with money to do the same in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Make sure energy supply and pricing issues are fair for hospitality businesses.
- End the ban on take-home draught beer and cider from most pubs and festivals.
Speaking about the launch of CAMRA’s Autumn Statement campaign Chairman Nik Antona said:
“This really is a make-or-break moment for the future of the nation’s beloved pubs and social clubs, which are at the heart of community life.
“In August, the Government’s new alcohol duty system introduced a lower rate of tax charged on draught beer and cider served in pubs, clubs and taprooms. To really protect and promote pubgoing, the Chancellor should reduce draught beer and cider duty further – and give our locals a fighting chance with the likes of supermarket alcohol.
“The Government should also axe the red tap which bans pubs selling take-home beer and cider from draught-duty containers which is a lifeline, particularly in rural communities.
“As customers continue to tighten their belts, licensees, brewers, and cider makers face an uncertain economic future as they don’t know what their business rates or energy bills will look like in the next year.
“That’s why the licenced trade and consumers will want to see the Chancellor taking action to guarantee a fair deal from energy supplies for hospitality businesses – and crucially to extend help with business rates relief in England beyond April next year and allocate money to do the same in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.”
