'Don't kill British pub' says beer group

Government policies are damaging the "Great British Pub" and community life, according to a report by the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).

The report A Wake-Up For Westminster says taxes and red tape are hitting the industry hard just as it tries to cope with the economic downturn. It calls on the Government to abandon plans for a beer tax escalator, along with plans for a mandatory code of practice for selling alcohol.

The report, which looks at the challenges facing the industry, claims that beer sales in pubs have plummeted to their lowest level since the 1930s, and that pubs are now closing at the rate of five per day.

BBPA chief executive Rob Hayward urged the Government to enforce existing laws rather than introduce new ones, and target the "problem few" that misuse alcohol.

"Beer is a great national industry and pubs play a vital role in community cohesion and social life in Britain," he added.

"Now is not the time for the Government to be introducing policies that will force up prices for all."

IMAGEPA