Elliott: Pub industry has no influence on MPs

By Ewan Turney

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Greene king pub King pub partners Alcoholic beverage David elliott Pub industry

Elliott: Pub industry has no influence on MPs
Last week's tryannical budget has proved the pub industry has no real influence over politicians - that's the view of Greene King Pub Partners boss...

Last week's tryannical budget has proved the pub industry has no real influence over politicians - that's the view of Greene King Pub Partners boss David Elliott.

The duty increases saw 4p slapped onto a pint of beer, 3p on a litre of cider, 15p on a bottle of wine and 55p on a bottle of spirits when the trade had asked for a freeze to help save pubs and brewers a-like.

Elliott said he accepted his share of blame for the lack of influenece over politicians who "ride roughshod"​ over the industry and "have no idea whatsoever of the enormous pressures on licensees"​.

I have no doubt that a number of pubs will go to the wall as businesses will be unprofitable for both licensees and pubcos​David ElliottGreene King

He said: "The industry will now contribute in excess of £23bn and almost 30% of every pint sold is made up of tax of one sort or another.

"I have no doubt that a number of pubs will go to the wall as businesses will be unprofitable for both licensees and pubcos, as customers will vote with their feet and stay at home.

"I have a real concern that politicians see the pub industry through behaviour they witness in town centres on a Friday and Saturday night.

"Putting 4p on a pint will simply not change that behaviour in the slightest."

Elliott believes that the health lobbyists have got what they wanted but not for the reasons they wanted and labelled the budget a "lifestyle taxation"​.

He added: "People will still drink alcohol and they will most certainly be looking out for the cheaper options to do so.

"Haven't we made the incredible reduced pricing frenzy on alcohol all the more voracious as buyers seek a bargain?

"Or, worst of all, they'll hunt for the higher abv products so as to get more for their money."

Alcohol Disorder Zones

Elliott also blasted the recent review of the Licensing Act and the introduction of the yellow and red card scheme as a further example of how little politicians understand about the industry.

"I believe these yellow cards are alcohol disorder zones by the back door,"​ he said.

"I just don't understand why local authorities and the police - who currently have all the powers they need - do not deal with the pubs that allow underage drinking, crime and disorder and close them down.

"You can then allow the 99% of all hard-working licensees of pubs and bars to get on with their job and not be subject to a constant threat of prosecution.

"These licensees currently operate under a massive layer of legislation and I would just like politicians and police to recognise what a great job they do.

"Get off their backs and help them because if you don't, you will see more boarded pubs on every street corner. Be warned."

Related topics Legislation

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