Clegg attacks lack of government action on beer tie

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has blamed the government's failure to act on the beer tie and continuous hikes in beer tax as the reason for record numbers of pub closures.

Clegg, currently enjoying huge popularity after an impressive showing in last week's leaders' debate, said well-run pubs are an important part of tackling alcohol problem and are not "part of the problem".

He added: "Government policies, such as continually raising duty on beer and refusing to reform the beer tie, have led to a situation in which more than five pubs a day are said to be closing.

"It is hugely important that we stand up for the pub industry during these difficult times."

Clegg's comments were given to CAMRA, as the consumer group revealed more than 500 parliamentary candidates have signed its political charter to help pubs.

The charter includes calls to "rebalance" alcohol tax to benefit pubs and "reform the beer tie to deliver a fair deal for consumers".

It also asks MPs to "champion well-run community pubs" and "support the role of well-run pubs as solutions to alcohol misuse".

Among the other signatories are Green Party leader Caroline Lucas, who could become her party's first ever MP.

On the basis of current polling, well over 100 of CAMRA's supporters are set to be elected on May 6.

Mike Benner, CAMRA's chief executive, said the response from prospective parliamentary candidates was "great news".

"We expect the next parliament to contain a huge number of MPs who have committed to vital reforms which are necessary to save the UK pub industry," he added.

"The issues that matter to CAMRA like reform of the beer tie, protection of community pubs and a fair deal for consumers can no longer be ignored by politicians."