CAMRA urges Hunt to extend tax cut on pints

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has called for urgent action from the chancellor ahead of next month's autumn statement (22 November), urging the government to cut duty on beer and cider served in pubs, extend help with business rates and deliver a fair deal on energy costs. 

CAMRA's 150,000 members are sending messages to Jeremy Hunt, chancellor of the exchequer, and MPs in a bid to preserve the future of pubs, bars and other on-trade venues. 

The 'Save Our Pubs' campaign is also pressing for an end to the ban on take-home draught beer and cider from pubs and festivals.

On the launch of the initiative, CAMRA chairman Nik Antona says: "This really is a make-or-break moment for the future of the nation's beloved pubs and social clubs, which are the heart of community life.

"In August, the government's new alcohol duty system introduced a lower rate of tax charged on draught beer and cider in pubs, clubs and taprooms. To really protect and promote pub-going, the chancellor should reduce draught beer and cider duty further – and give our locals a fighting chance with the likes of supermarket alcohol. 

"The government should also axe the red tape which bans pubs selling take-home beer and cider from draught-duty containers which is a lifeline, particularly in rural communities.

"As customers continue to tighten their belts, licensees, brewers and cider makers face an uncertain economic future as they don't know what their business rates or energy bills will look like in the next year. 

"That's why the licensed trade and consumers will want to see the chancellor taking action to guarantee a fair deal from energy supplies for hospitality businesses – and crucially to extend help with business rates relief in England beyond April next year and allocate money to do the same in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland."

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