ALMR adds to calls for freeze on duty

The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) has set out a series of proposals to ministers and MPs ahead of the Budget, which it hopes will save pubs that are "drowning in red tape".

The group has called for a freeze on beer duty, reform of the licensing regime to strip out unnecessary costs and administrative burdens, reform of Capital Gains Tax proposals, more effective business support and no new stealth taxes on beds, eating out or road pricing.

The proposals came as the ALMR released the results of a survey covering 2,500 outlets, which found that the number of community pubs has fallen 10 per cent since last March.

The report found that community pubs are "facing a bleak mid-winter".

The average cost of running a pub has increased to 52 per cent of the total turnover, the survey revealed.

It also found the managed market is down two per cent, with the only growth appearing in wine bars and outlets with accommodation.

Nick Bish, the ALMR's chief executive said: "Community pubs are at the heart of our industry - true locals serving their community, a social space for residents and key part of the local economy.

"We want a clear message sent to politicians of all parties - these are pubs are vital to healthy, safe and attractive communities.

"They deserve to be supported and encouraged, not suffocated by red tape and driven out of business by spiralling costs.

"Failure to act now will see the steady decline in community pub numbers transformed from a trickle to a flood."