Article DetailsWhat future for traditional British pubs? British Pubs face another threat from beer tax hike. |
| Date Added: April 22, 2009 08:09:52 AM |
| Author: Ian Brown |
| Category: Real Estate Press Releases |
| Tories today called on Chancellor Alistair Darling to drop plans for further increases in taxes on beer in his April Budget because ofthe threat to the future of the traditional British pub.Shadow ministers described the pub as a “vital British institution”, andclaimed thousands faced closure because of steep tax increases planned bythe Government. Pub beer sales were also down 10 per cent in the quarterlybeer barometer published last month.The British Beer & Pub Association said tax revenues from beer were alreadydown £181 million since last year’s Budget, and forecast further falls inthe Chancellor’s income because of the beer duty escalator introduced by MrDarling.Association chief executive Rob Hayward said: “These figures highlight theextreme economic pressures hitting Britain’s beer and pub sector. Beer salesare sinking and many pubs are struggling to survive. Pub closures haveescalated to nearly six a day. “Unfortunately, Government tax policy is only making a difficult situationworse. Due to the Government’s tax escalator and VAT policy, we are facingtwo further tax increases this year alone. By the 2012 Budget, the tax onyour pint of beer will have increased by up to 40 per cent from February2008.“We are not asking for a tax handout, like other sectors. We just don’t wantour tax burden to be made worse. When it comes to stimulating the UKeconomy, the Government should not and must not turn a blind eye toBritain’s beer and pub sector,” said Mr Hayward.Shadow culture secretary Jeremy Hunt said: “We all have our favourite localpub but up and down the country people have been losing theirs. Not only arethey a critical part of our heritage but they are often hubs for localcommunities helping social groups, sports clubs and often even the villageshop. “For too long the Government has tried to tackle binge drinking by punishingresponsible drinkers and landlords. With massive tax hikes and heavy handedregulation all Labour will succeed in doing is closing down more pubs. Thishas to stop.” Shadow business minister Mark Prisk added: “Pubs are often small family-runbusinesses. Not only are they the social heart of their communities, theyalso provide jobs.” Paramount Investments are specialists in sourcing freehold and leasehold pubs for sale and other pub company or brewery investment opportunities in England, Scotland and Wales for potential property investors.
Paramount Investments 150 West End Lane Web: http://www.paramount-investments.co.uk |
