CAMRA has warned chancellor Jeremy Hunt that next month’s Autumn Statement is a “make or break” moment for the nation’s pubs.

The Campaign believes the chancellor must cut duty on beer and cider served in pubs, extend help with business rates and deliver a fair deal on energy costs to save the future of the UK’s pubs.

CAMRA members across the UK are contacting their MP ahead of the 22 November statement seeking their support for the Save Our Pubs campaign, which calls on the chancellor to:
– reduce duty on draught beer and cider as cutting tax on pints in pubs to help them compete with the likes of supermarket alcohol
– replace business rate relief schemes in England which are due to end next year with money to do the same in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
– make sure energy supply and pricing are fair for hospitality businesses
– end the ban on take-home draught beer and cider from most pubs and festivals.

National chairman Nik Antona said: “This really is a make-or-break moment for the future of the nation’s beloved pubs and social clubs, which are at 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 served 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.”

Anyone can take part and use CAMRA’s e-lobby tool to contact their MP using the link: https://camra.e-activist.com/page/137207/action/1