'Darling doesn't give a XXXX for Britain's pubs'

The Budget has shown that the Government does not give a XXXX about Britain's pubs.

That is the view of Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers chief executive Nick Bish following the Chancellor's 2% duty rise.

"The Budget proves that the Chancellor does not give a XXXX for Britain's local pubs," said Bish.

"What we needed was a tonic from the Chancellor, instead we have a double whammy of tax increases — with a penny a pint from midnight tonight and another toxic shock when the VAT cut is reversed at the end of the year."

The ALMR also condemned the continued favouritism being shown to other industries at the expense of pubs and bars.

"The Chancellor has already spent 3.5% of GDP on bailing out the banks, £2bn to save the car industry, but he appears to baulk at investing in pubs and bars. Now we have investment in 'green collar' jobs and 'low carbon' technologies.

"The Chancellor must beware — all the glitters is not gold and it is questionable whether these new, sexy industries will deliver lasting growth."

He added: "We know that investment in pubs and bars is a solid and reliable one. We know that we can generate sustainable growth as well as real jobs when the economy finally takes off. The Great British Pub is a national asset.

"Pubs bring local communities together and create thousands of jobs. They also pay a great deal of tax. It is about time that Mr Darling recognised a pub taxed into closure soon pays no tax at all."