Pubs of Ulster Brief MPs on Beer and the Budget

06 February 2014

Pubs of Ulster have met with local MPs and Peers in Westminster to urge them to vote against an increase in beer duty in the upcoming budget.

Pubs of Ulster briefed MPs on the struggle faced by many pubs to make ends meet and emphasised the importance of draft beer to the pub industry. Draft beer is unique to the licensed trade and is something which keeps people coming to the pub and away from more harmful drinking that goes on at home. Draft beer has a lower alcohol content and the pub provides a regulated environment in which it can be consumed safely.

 

Pubs of Ulster and the British Beer and Pub Association are concerned that any increase in beer duty will curtail ambition, damage jobs, and inhibit investment in manufacturing, training and skills.

 

Chief Executive of Pubs of Ulster Colin Neill said:

 

“Many pubs are struggling to make ends meet and we met with MPs to brief them on the importance of draft beer to our industry, particularly ahead of next month’s budget. Draft beer is unique to pubs and has a lower alcohol content than most other alcoholic drinks and the pub provides a regulated environment in which it can be consumed safely. 

 

“It is imperative that Government supports businesses and help pubs remain viable by keeping the duty on draft beer down. Raising duty on draft beer will curtail ambition, damage jobs, and inhibit investment.

 

“We are very concerned that the Government’s planned 2.8% increase in duty this year will undermine the 2% cut last year and jeopardise thousands of jobs in the process.”