Seven out of 10 say no to beer tax hikes

Seven out of 10 people are opposed to government plans to increase beer tax in the forthcoming Budget, according to an opinion poll published today.

The survey, carried out by ComRes, also shows that eight out of 10 people believe community spirit and values are under threat in Britain - and that the local pub and a pint of beer are important symbols of the British way of life.

The results are published in the same week MPs are due to meet ministers to raise concerns about the about the increasing rate of pub closures - nearly six a day - and the threat of 75,000 job losses in the beer and pub industry.

More than 50 MPs are expected to quiz ministers at a meeting in Parliament on Wednesday, organised by the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group

The poll also shows that:

• 83 per cent believe community spirit and values are under threat
• 76 per cent say government does not do enough to support elements of local communities;
• 63 per cent believe the local pub is an important element of local communities - while six in 10 people say a pint of beer and local pubs are symbols of the British way of life.

The British Beer & Pub Association is behind the Axe the Beer Tax campaign which has more than 25,000 supporters.

Rob Hayward, BBPA chief executive, said: "These results confirm what we have long believed. The British public is deeply concerned about the decline of local communities, and the rapid closure of pubs is an important part of that.

"The British beer and pub industry supports 650,000 jobs and makes a vital contribution to the British economy. Yet it has been hit by a succession of tax increases alongside more and more regulation. Nearly six pubs are closing every day across the country, and thousands of jobs are being lost.

Mike Benner, chief executive of the Campaign for Real Ale, said: "This time last year, the government announced its plans to increase beer tax but the economic circumstances have changed beyond recognition in that time. It is time for the government to think again in order to save the Great British Pub."

The BBPA and other drinks trade chiefs will be meeting Chancellor Alistair Darling later this month to discuss tax hikes. Have your say by emailing news@thepublican.com and we will pass correspondence to the BBPA

For more information about the campaign visit www.axethebeertax.com​