Host calls for national pub strike against duty hikes

Pubs should take part in a national one hour strike in protest against the 2% duty hikes introduced last week — that's the radical plan put forward by one Lincolshire licensee.

Darren Cheesman, Batemans tenant at the Hit or Miss pub in Stamford said the time had come for action after the failure of industry lobbying to obtain a freeze on duty.

He wants all pubs to unite and shut their doors at 10pm on a Saturday night and send customers out on the streets armed with placards against the latest rises.

"The time has come to show this party of inept idiots that we will not stand for anymore," he said.

"I propose that the various campaigns get together and we organise a National pubs strike. This would be a simple closure of every pub and club at 10pm on the designated Saturday night.

"Imagine the chaos that most towns and cities police forces would have to deal with?

"It is obvious that talking about it does not work, it is obvious the Chancellor is incapable of listening anyway, so let's ask all our customers to protest at 10pm on the streets of every town and city until the Labour party do something to save our homes and businesses."