Consumers demand pub support

New research has revealed that British consumers think the government should support local pubs and breweries in the Budget on 3 March.

The research, conducted by YouGov and commissioned by the British Beer and Pub Association and Long Live The Local, found that three quarters of consumers (76%) believed that pubs are important to local communities, with 64% also saying that pubs are important in securing the future of local high streets.

When asked if they wanted the chancellor to help pubs in the forthcoming Budget, just 12% of respondents thought the government should not do anything. When asked about specific support, 52% of people backed a cut in business rates, 46% of people wanted to see a cut or freeze in beer duty, and 42% supported a reduction on VAT on pub food.

"This research shows how much people want government to help Britain’s pub and brewing sector in this Budget, especially following the extremely tough year they have faced," says David Cunningham, campaign director of Long Live the Local. "This chimes with the strong support we have seen for our campaign. More than 500,000 people have signed a petition and 275,000 have written to their MP urging them to cut beer duty. The chancellor must understand the plight faced by pubs and brewers and listen to all those who, for three years, have been asking for a cut in beer duty – it’s never been more needed.”

More than six in 10 people (62%) also said they think the government should use the spring Budget to support Britain's brewing industry, with 54% of people thinking a cut in beer duty should be included.