Pub campaign to protect 'symbol of British life'

The beer industry has launched a campaign that aims to use public support for pubs to leverage a tax u-turn from the Government.

And the call by the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) for a change of heart on the 8% increase in duty on beer - which comes in at the same time that VAT returns to 17.5% on 1 January next year - is just one of a number of policies proposed in its campaign manifesto, the life and soul of Britain's communities.

Launched jointly by the BBPA and the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), the manifesto underscores the I'm backing the pub campaign - launched today among MPs in Westminster. Also backed by Visit Britain, it is designed to bolster the beer and pub trade by promoting what it sees as the traditional role of the pub at the centre of the community.

A poll conducted for the campaign by ComRes suggests that 80% of people think the pub is an important symbol of British life. Seventy-one per cent of respondents said that tax on beer is too high, and 79% believe that the record rate of pub closures - which the BBPA says stands at 50 pubs each week - is "undermining an important part of Britain's social and community fabric".

In addition to lowering the regulatory and tax burden, which includes a planned duty rise of 2% above inflation announced in the Budget, the manifesto pledges to promote "a policy environment that encourages consumers to choose low-alcohol drinks such as beer".

BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds said: "There is a clear and compelling public consensus amongst the British people that the pub is a vital part of their community and the social and economic character of Britain.

"It is time for a concerted effort by Government, industry and all those who value the pub to work together to adopt and implement policies to promote the great British pub."

IMAGE AP Photo/Christof Stache