Social Liberalism

Thousands of pubs ‘left in the lurch’ by Government, says Liberal Democrat leader

10-Oct-2017 By Georgina Townshend

The leader of the Liberal Democrats has said the Government has left “thousands of pubs in the lurch” as research from the party revealed at least 4,500 pubs eligible for business rates relief are still awaiting payment, with a total of £4.54m still outstanding.

Tim Farron reiterates rates pledge at pub campaign stop

07-Jun-2017 By Liam Coleman

The leader of the Liberal Democrats Tim Farron has stopped off in a pub in St Albans, Hertfordshire, on the final day of campaigning before the general election tomorrow.

Lib Dems adopt range of pro-pub measures

10-Mar-2014 By John Harrington

The Liberal Democrats have committed to introducing a right for pub tenants to buy the freehold of their venue if it’s put up for sale at an independently assessed market value.

'Per drink surcharge' could help fund councils

30-Aug-2011 By Adam Pescod

The Liberal Democrats have cited a 'per drink surcharge' as a possible means of covering the costs that drinkers impose on local councils.

Inn @ West End hosts election supper

07-May-2010 By Gerry Price

Customers at the Inn @ West End are mostly true blue, although support for the Lib Dems rose as the campaign ground on, says Gerry Price.

Tories up for victory beers

27-Apr-2010 By Lesley Foottit

The Conservatives have a narrow lead over the Liberal Democrats in the poll that really counts — SIBA's 'beer-ometer'.

Lib Dems call for cap on number of pubs a company can own

26-Apr-2010 By James Wilmore

The Liberal Democrats have called for the Competition Commission to consider a cap on the number of pubs a company is allowed to own, among its...

Lib Dems will reform beer tie

26-Apr-2010 By Ewan Turney

The Lib Dems would reform the beer tie and insist on a Competition Commission investigation into pub ownership.

Lib Dems back 'principle' of minimum pricing

14-Apr-2010 By James Wilmore

The Liberal Democrats have pledged their support for a minimum price on alcohol - if it can be proved it will tackle "irresponsible drinking". In...

Lib Dems would act on tax and off-trade

14-Apr-2010 By John Harrington

The Liberal Democrats have promised to tackle cheap supermarket alcohol and review the "ill-thought-out" alcohol tax in their election manifesto. But there's no mention of the beer tie.

Lib Dems want pubco debate at conference

08-Sep-2009 By Gemma McKenna

Liberal Democrat anti-pubco campaigners are calling for an emergency debate on the beer tie at the party's upcoming national conference. MP Greg...

Welsh Lib Dems urge beer tie reform

06-Mar-2009 By John Harrington

The group also wants lower alcohol duty in its new campaign to save Welsh pubs.

Lib Dem plans make pubs the scapegoat

11-Aug-2008 By Ewan Turney

Pubs and bars would again be made the scapegoat for antisocial behaviour under new plans from the Liberal Democrats - which would give councils the power to hit pubs with extra taxes.

ALMR slams Lib Dem plans on youth crime

08-Aug-2008 By James Wilmore

A trade group has accused the Liberal Democrats of making pubs and bars scapegoats and using headline-seeking gimmicks, as part of plans to tackle...

Lib Dems call for tough measures on alcohol sales

22-Jul-2008 By Matt Eley Matt

The Liberal Democrats have called for a zero tolerance approach to selling alcohol to the underage. Don Foster, shadow secretary for Culture, Media...

Postcode lottery for underage stings

11-Jan-2007 By John Harrington john.harrington@william-reed.co.u

Pubs tested in underage sting operations are subject to a postcode lottery. Councils are taking a very varied approach to underage sting operations,...

Parties fire final shots in election campaign

28-Apr-2005

Labour, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats have fired their final shots of the election campaign in a bid to address the issues affecting...

Lib-Dems vote for lower drink-drive limit

24-Sep-2003

The Liberal Democrats have voted in favour of plans to lower the drink-drive limit.Delegates at the Brighton conference this week backed calls to...

LibDem plan to cut red tape welcomed by pub trade

13-Nov-2002

Plans by the Liberal Democrats to cut bureaucracy for small businesses have been welcomed by the pub trade.The political party has put forward a...