Campaign Launched To Halt Pub Death
Various sectors of British society, including drinkers and politicians, are being asked to partake in a campaign to stop the closure of pubs.
The campaign, spearheaded by The British Beer and Pub Association and the Society of Independent Brewers, was launched as reports say 50 drinking establishments per week are closing in the country.
Dubbed “I’m backing the pub”, the undertaking is urging the British government to cut beer tax. The move comes as a poll demonstrates that 80% of Britons believe pubs are an integral part of the British lifestyle.
The group is calling on the government to cancel the 8% spike in tax applied to beer which was introduced last January when VAT was cut, although it will resume at 17.5% on January 1, 2010. They’re also calling for the scrapping of a 2% above inflation duty increase suggested in the last budget.
According to a ComRes survey, 71% of 1000 British adults believe more action is required to promote and support the pubs, while 77% said they represent a valuable contribution to the country’s economy.
BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds said the poll revealed a compelling public consensus in regards of implication of the pub to the character of Britain.
Ms Simmonds said that information comes along concerns for the huge number of pub closures currently witnessed and a call for action to back this industry.
She added that government, industry and all Britons who appreciate the pub must now work together to implement new policies which will contribute to the promotion of the ‘great British pub.’