BBPA welcomes parties' policies to help pubs

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has welcomed news that the three main political parties have included policies to help pubs in their manifestos.

The Liberal Democrats have promised to reform business rates and live music licensing, tackle cheap supermarket alcohol and review the "ill-thought-out" alcohol tax.

The manifesto said: "We support a ban on below-cost selling, and are in favour of the principle of minimum pricing."

An "overhaul" of the licensing regime and a ban on below cost sales of alcohol in supermarkets and off licences was vowed by the Conservatives.

Labour's manifesto said: "We will support pubs that have a viable future with a new fund for community ownership in 2010-11."

BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds welcomed the parties' pledges to help pubs, but said more campaigning will be necessary.

"We now have the manifestos of all three main parties," said Simmonds. "For the first time ever, each has made explicit commitments to support British pubs.

"This political consensus is welcome and is a tribute to the collective voice of thousands upon thousands of people who have voiced their concerns about the future of this Great British institution.

"Pubs are a vital part of Britain's social and economic life and all the political parties are responding to this wide public concern.

Beer tie​

On the controversial issue of the tie, only Labour's manifesto specifically addressed any action: "A non-tie option should be available for pub tenants; we will act if the industry fails to make progress on this."

However, the other two main parties have separately pledged to act. A spokesman for Conservative leader David Cameron said: "The Tory Party supports the idea that should the industry fail to deliver self-regulation by June 2011, the Government of the day should consult on putting the code of practice on a statutory basis."

Speaking to the Morning Advertiser​ in March, Lib Dem licensing spokesman Don Foster said pubs should be allowed to opt out of the tie and have at least one guest beer.