Pub closures threaten community values

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA)’s latest survey shows that almost two-thirds of people believe the local pub is an important element of local communities, and that its closure contributes to a decline of community values.

70% of those surveyed are opposed to the Government’s proposed above-inflation increase in beer tax, which is one of the factors leading to the loss of local pubs, and more than 75% believed that the Government should be doing more to support local communities.

Rob Hayward, chief executive of the BBPA, says: ‘The British public is deeply concerned about the decline of local communities, and the rapid closure of pubs is an important part of that.

Mike Benner, chief executive of the Campaign for Real Ale, says: ‘More than 12,000 people have lobbied their MPs to express their concern about the decline of the British beer and pub industry. It’s time for the Government to think again in order to save the Great British Pub.’

There are now nearly six pubs closing every day, and more than 75,000 jobs in the beer and pub industry are under threat.

Some 155 MPs have signed a parliamentary motion demanding that the Government change its plans to increase beer tax, and take more measures to protect the local pub. In a meeting organised by the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group on Wednesday, MPs will quiz Ministers about the proposed tax increase and plans for the future of the beer and pub industry.

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