There is still hope that the Chancellor will change his mind on the alcohol duty hikes - that's the view of Shepherd Neame boss Jonathan Neame.
The industry, fighting against four years worth of promised rises at 2% above inflation, was boosted by Alistair Darling's amendments to the 10p tax rule yesterday.
We have to ensure that MPs understand the frustrations felt by licenseesJonathan NeameShepherd Neame
The move was seen as an "emergency budget" caused as a result of sustained pressure.
"I think there is always hope and the industry has to continually put its case," said Neame, who believes 8,000 pubs could close as a result of the Budget.
"I think the industry put a strong case across before the Budget but this was a highly political decision.
"It is not just the brewing industry that is deeply aggrieved with this Government.
"We have to re-double our efforts and keep plugging away. We have to ensure that MPs understand the frustrations felt by licensees."
Neame gave his backing to the MA's Fight the Hikes campaign. "I think initiatives like this are really good," he said.
The MA is calling on all licensees to get involved in the campaign to Fight the Hikes.
GET INVOLVED
Follow these easy steps:
1. Download a Fight the Hikes Poster and put it up in your pub.
2. Download the Fight The Hikes Petition and get your regulars to join the campaign. Consumer support is vital.
3. Download Extra Petition Sheets.
4. Download the Fight the Hikes Letter and send it to your MP. It asks them to sign an EDM condemning the duty hikes, tells them about the campaign and invites them to the pub to discuss the issues first hand.
5. Find your MP's contact details here. Post or email him the letter.
6. Send your completed petitions to Fight the Hikes, Morning Advertiser, William Reed Business Media, Broadfield Park, Crawley, West Sussex, RH11 9RT.
7. Join the Fight the Hikes Facebook group.
8. Take a picture of you, staff and customers with the poster and petition and email it to Ewan.Turney@william-reed.co.uk.
• Remember you can also Ban the Chancellor from your pub by clicking here.