PUB TIES

That this House notes with concern the number of pubs and clubs that are struggling to survive, particularly during the current economic downturn; recognises that the most significant difficulty facing pubs is being tied into contracts with the brewers in relation to the purchase of alcohol which restricts the ability to make profits; and calls on the Government to outlaw the pub tie and allow landlords greater flexibility in the purchasing of alcohol in addition to reviewing the duty placed on alcohol in order to ensure that this reflects alcohol volume rather than flat rate increases in duty.