Fresh calls for beer duty freeze

A pubco chief has renewed calls for a freeze on beer duty to help the trade combat the problems it currently faces.

Speaking at the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group's annual Christmas party last night, Michael Turner, chairman of Fuller's, said: "The last thing we need is yet another tax increase on beer.

"We hope you will join us in our call to the Chancellor to freeze beer duty in his forthcoming Budget."

Addressing MPs, brewers and trade figures at the House of Commons, Turner added: "In the year ahead we're going to need your support more than ever.

"Beer and pubs in Britain are under serious and sustained pressure."

He also warned of the "onward march of the new temperance movement".

"Despite the headlines and the perceptions they create, the facts show clearly the amount we drink as a nation has been falling consistently for the last two years," he said.

Turner admitted the industry had a job to do tackle to alcohol mis-use, but he added: "Let's ensure we target the problem and not the product.

"Let's not restrict the freedoms of tens of millions of responsible drinkers and make them pay the price for the irresponsible few."

MP John Grogan, chairman of the Beer Group, echoed Turner's message on beer duty.

He told guests: "The Beer Group will be prominent in fighting the cause for a more rational approach to beer duty."

The MP for Selby also re-stated his desire for supermarkets to stop selling alcohol at below cost.

Grogan also paid a warm tribute to the beer writer and broadcaster Michael Jackson, who died earlier this year.