DUTY ON BEER AND PUB CLOSURES

That this House condemns the increase on duty on beer announced by the Chancellor in this year's budget which came into force on 1st April; believes that this was a very ill-judged move at a time when the beer and pub trade is facing such a difficult period and will lead to the closure of many pubs up and down the country; recognises that even the Minister with responsibility for licensing has criticised these plans and thinks that the Chancellor should reconsider; notes a recent industry report which estimates that 8,000 pubs will close in the next 10 years, involving not only the loss of community amenities but also significant job losses; recognises that these plans are clearly an attempt to raise revenue and not only will not tackle binge drinking, but because of the effect on the industry will not raise anything like the amount intended; further believes that community pubs provide a controlled environment for responsible drinking so their loss is a further blow to trying to encourage responsible alcohol consumption; and calls upon the Chancellor to realise his grave mistake, reverse the increase on beer duty and accept a freeze upon it until such time as the industry recovers, and provide support to the great British pub instead of contributing to its demise.