Responding to the publication of a report from think tank Localis yesterday [24 September] at Labour Party conference concluding that pubs deliver invaluable socio-economic value to the UK and to local communities, CAMRA Chairman Ash Corbett-Collins said:
“This Localis report confirms that the nation’s pubs deserve government support in recognition of their community value and the role they play as a vital part of our social fabric. Ahead of the Budget next month, the Government needs to act to promote and protect the UK’s world-renowned pubs.
“Reports that the Chancellor is looking to raise beer and cider duty in the Budget are extremely worrying. This is the last thing our pubs need and could lead to further closures. That’s why CAMRA is calling on Rachel Reeves to use the Budget to cut duty specifically on draught beer and cider served in pubs, social clubs and taprooms to encourage pubgoing and help promote and protect our locals.
“CAMRA is also calling on the Chancellor to deliver on the Labour manifesto promise of introducing a fairer business rates system in England. This is desperately needed to stop our locals being crippled by huge rates bills under an unfair system that penalises bricks-and-mortar businesses like pubs over online giants who need to pay their fair share.”
Notes to editors:
The Localis report on the worth of the nation’s pubs is available here and calls on the Government to extend business rates relief for pubs and the freeze in alcohol duties in response to the invaluable socio-economic value of pubs in the UK: https://www.localis.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Localis-Inn-valuable2-BBPA-Report-180x230mm-SEP24-03b.pdf
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