Public rally to Axe the Beer Tax campaign

The public and the trade are rallying behind the new campaign to scrap beer tax hikes to save pubs, organisers say.

Axe the Beer Tax - Save the Pub was launched two weeks ago by the British Beer & Pub Association and the Campaign for Real Ale.

So far:

- Nearly 3,000 members of the public have sent lobbying letters to their MP through the campaign website

- More than 2,000 people have registered as supporters of the campaign

- More than 8,500 are members of the Facebook supporters group

- The campaign videos have been viewed 1,200 times on YouTube

"We are very encouraged by the momentum that is building behind the campaign during the first week", said Mark Hastings, BBPA director of communications.

"Members of the public, licencees and others in the trade are mobilising in numbers to send a clear message to MPs and Government. It's clear the campaign is striking a chord.

"The public and the trade want action to save the great British pub and are calling on their politicians to support the campaign's manifesto.

"We would like to thank all the campaign supporters and partners for the effort they have put in so far - but there is more to do.

"We urge everyone in the trade to spread the word and encourage their colleagues, friends, family, customers and contacts to use axethebeertax.com, register their support and send a lobbying message to their MP.

"These are early days and its vitally important we continue to build on the early momentum the campaign has generated."