MPs' Community Pubs Inquiry kicks off today
The first hearing of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group's community pubs inquiry kicks off this afternoon and we will be there to bring you the latest as it happens.
The group will discuss many of the important issues affecting the trade in a bid to prepare a wish list to put to the Government.
Inquiry co-ordinator Robert Humphreys said he was pleased with the number of submissions: "I'm delighted," he said. "The submissions have been about many different topics including planning, rates, the Licensing Act and smoking."
Humphreys said some issues did not relate directly to the pub trade - but to running a small business.
"There were issues such as tax and we will consider them."
The group anticipates two or three hearings will take place where key witnesses will be called to give evidence and help it decide on which issues to take to the second stage.
This will include consultations with trade experts before settling on specific issues with which to challenge ministers.
"There are Treasury issues as well as issues for the Department of Health and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
"Ideally we hope to put some questions to ministers before the summer recess - which starts on 25 July.
"However, this depends on the first two stages and ministers' diaries. We don't want to rush anything - we want to do it properly," added Humphreys.
The debate starts at 4pm so check back for updates after that.
