'Darling has betrayed Britain's struggling pubs'

The British Beer & Pub Association has slammed today's Budget for signing "the death warrant for thousands of Britain's pubs and for tens of thousands of British jobs".

A statment from the group said: "In imposing these additional beer taxes, the government has wilfully ignored the views of the public, landlords, consumer groups, industry representatives and MPs from all parties who have been calling for action to save the British pub.

"At a time when the rest of the economy is getting a supporting hand, the beer and pub industry is being singled out for punitive action.

"Last year the Chancellor raised beer tax by an eye-watering 18 per cent. Today's rise is a further body blow.

"The result will be more pubs closing, more jobs being lost and more people consuming alcohol outside supervised, licensed premises.

"Our campaign with CAMRA to save pubs as a vital part of British life now becomes a matter of the highest priority."

The Campaign for Real Ale's chief executive Mike Benner said: "It is disappointing that the Chancellor has ignored widespread public concern about the plight of Britain's pubs and decided to press ahead with an increase which will result in yet more valued community pubs closing down.

"Well-run community pubs are already struggling as a result of last year's 18 per cent increase in beer duty and the recession.

"This further beer duty increase will push more valued pubs over the edge resulting in job losses, reduced government tax revenue and many more deprived of their favourite local pub.

"Well-run pubs provide an enjoyable and affordable night out in a safe and supervised environment and this duty increase will simply fuel irresponsible drinking of cheap discount alcohol in people's homes, public parks and on the streets."

Jeremy Beadles, chief executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, said: "At a time when the government is offering other industries a helping hand it is extraordinary that it wishes to hurt the drinks industry with further tax increases.

"Thousands of jobs have already been lost in the industry and the decision to go ahead with a further tax increase puts thousands more at risk.

"It's a bitter irony that with falling sales, these tax hikes are unlikely to deliver the revenues forecast by the Treasury."