Brits Say Pubs are Key Aspect of British Life, says Survey
The Society of Independent Brewers in association with the British Beer and Pub Association have begun a campaign to cut government taxes on beer as currently, at least 50 pubs per week are closing across the UK. The group called “I’m backing the pub” will ask government officials to lower beer taxes in an attempt to save pub closures all over the country.
The group came about in response to a survey which revealed that 80 percent of people polled believe pubs are an important aspect of British culture. The group launched their manifesto, Life and Soul of British Communities last Thursday night in Westminster.
They are calling for the government to reverse an 8 percent increase which was imposed on duty on beer last January during VAT cuts. The group hopes that when VAT returns to 17.5 percent next January in 2010, the 8 percent increase will be repealed.
Additionally the group would like government bodies to scrap the increase of duty by 2 percent upwards of inflation altogether. Most of the campaign actions come in the wake of a ComRes poll which found that out of a thousand adults 71 percent think that not enough is being done in support of British pubs and maintaining their existence in the UK. An additional 77 percent believe that pubs make a significant contribution to British economy.
Chief Executive for the BBPA, Brigid Simmonds said that the argument would be compelling as their is a majority of public consensus which believe pubs are a vital aspect of British community life. The polls also indicate the concern of Brits at the overwhelming number of pub closures in recent months. She added that more needed to be done to prevent pubs from closing and to help promote their continued presence in British communities.
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