Fringe party calls for pub trade election support

By Mike Berry

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Alcoholic beverage Elections Public house

Fringe party calls for pub trade election support
With the General Election now just 100 days away, a fledgling political party is calling on support from the trade for its pro-pub policies.

Ray Hall, founder of the Beer Baccy & Crumpet Party, is also looking for people to stand as parliamentary candidates ahead of the election on 7 May.

"I am seeking one candidate from each constituency in the UK to stand alongside me, in my fight to save our pubs and our country," he said.

"My number one proposal is to reduce the excise duty on draught beer and other draught drinks to zero. This would enable pubs to compete with supermarkets, thus saving pubs from extinction and saving jobs in this iconic British industry.

“We would re-introduce smoking in ventilated areas, to attract customers that were driven away previously.”

The party is also proposing a reduction in VAT charged by hotels, to 10%, to help with tourist trade.

Besides seeking candidates, Hall hopes that publicans will help with fundraising to help local candidates’ deposit and campaign costs.

Attention

Hall said: “The benefits to the publican of getting involved with this project are enormous. Having the Beer, Baccy & Crumpet party candidate drinking at your pub up to 7 May, will attract media attention and customers.

“Unlike Al Murray’s newly formed FUKP, which promises beer at 1p per pint, we recognise that publicans and breweries have to earn a living. Despite the quirky name, the Beer Baccy & Crumpet party is a serious party, so only proposes to scrap the excise duty on draught beer.”

The Beer Baccy & Crumpet Party manifesto can be found on the party website.

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