90% of public want axe on beer tax
A whopping 90% of the population believe that beer tax should be frozen of reduced at this week's Budget, according to a new poll.
The poll of 1,007 people, carried out by ComRes for the Axe the Tax campaign, showed that almost two-thirds (64%) believes that an increase in duty will lead to more pub closures.
The poll was published as the campaign warned there are "only 48 hours to save the pub" as a result of the Chancellor's plans for a 2% above inflation increase on duty following on from last year's 18% increase.
The Axe the Tax campaign will host an event this morning at the Red Lion pub in Westminster where a delegation of MPs will present a signed postcard protest to the Government.
A further 60% believe that an increase in beer tax will lead to more job losses in the brewing and pub sector and 29% said they would cut pub visits if tax increased.
"This poll shows that the public understands the damage that increasing beer tax has on pubs," said British Beer and Pub Association chief executive David Long.
"The Government increased duty by an eye watering 18% last year and pubs are closing at a record rate — at about six a day.
"Such closures have a disastrous effect in terms of jobs and the life of communities. And yet the Chancellor is still planning to impose further increases this week.
"The proposed tax escalator will increase beer tax by 2% above inflation each year for the next four years. Yet it was proposed 12 months ago when earnings were rising and the economy was strong. Today, earnings are falling and consumption of beer in pubs is at its lowest since the Great Depression.
He added: "The budget is just two days away. There are 48 hours to save the pub. Mr Darling must listen to the majority of the public and MPs and recognise that increasing beer tax at this time is wholly unjustified and to do so will be to sign a death warrant for thousands more pubs."
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