Pub Question Time for political parties

The three leading political parties are set to be quizzed about their 'pub policies' in a Question Time style debate.

Greg Mulholland MP will take the chair at 'Who Will Save the Pub' event which had been organised by CAMRA and the All Party Parliamentary Save the Pub Group.

Tory shadow licensing minister Tobias Elwood and Lib Dem Don Foster are confirmed and Labour is also expected to send a minister.

The panel will be asked questions submitted by CAMRA members and others about the key issues facing British pubs.

Mulholland, who is chairman of the Save the Pub Group, said: "What we want to hear is each party's vision for the pub and this is a great opportunity for the main political parties to put forward their policies for each of the key issues facing pubs.

"Talk, whether in the pub or in parliament is easy, but we need action, so CAMRA and the Save the Pub Group are joining forces to put the party spokespeople on the spot to tell us how they will change things to support and save the pub."

CAMRA chief executive Mike Benner said: "The forthcoming Save the Pub Group/ CAMRA question time is an ideal opportunity for the political parties to set out how they will save the pub.

"High on the agenda will be CAMRA's Beer Drinkers and Pub Goers Charter sets out a range of options, from reform of the beer tie to a rebalancing of alcohol taxation to support beer and pubs. We look forward to hearing the parties' responses".

The event will take place on March 16 at 6.30pm in House of Commons Committee Room 14.