CAMRA and the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) have launched the ‘Axe the Beer Tax’ campaign in retaliation to government plans to further increase the tax on beer.
As of Monday 1 December, tax will make up a third of the price of a pint of beer, and with pub closures accelerating to a rate of five a day, the industry bodies have joined together to ‘save the great British pub’ with the nationwide campaign.
Based on a manifesto entitled ‘Last Orders – a five point plan to save the British pub’, the campaign will urge all industry workers and pub-goers to sign up to lobby their MP, sign an on-line petition, and organise local campaigning events.
Mike Benner, chief executive of CAMRA, said: “People who like a quiet pint at the local pub are being singled out for some of the biggest tax increases ever imposed. Community pubs are at the heart of countless communities across Britain. They are where people meet and socialise, and they promote responsible and sensible drinking.
“Pubs are a great British tradition and we must do everything we can to save them. I love going to my local pub and meeting friends for a relaxing pint, so I`m 100% behind this campaign.”
Government plans to continue with an increase in beer tax above the rate of inflation over the next four years, on top of the new hike, is expected to result in more than 40,000 job losses and at least 7,500 more pub closures.
Rob Hayward, chief executive of the BBPA, said: “This campaign will provide a voice to those who want to save the great British pub – and we urge everyone to sign up on the campaign’s website www.axethebeertax.com to register their support.”
The BBPA has also expressed its shock at government plans to reduce the tax rate only on Scotch whisky, spirits and alcopops, and is urging the government to rethink it’s proposal and do the same for beer.