Only 12% of Brits say a pint is affordable
As voters head to the polls today (Thursday 4 July), the group called for candidates to offer support on its manifesto on pubs, pints and people.
CAMRA members and the public have sent thousands of lobbying emails, laying out the consumer rights group’s vision.
Research revealed
CAMRA’s election manifesto asks:
Fair tax for beer and pubs
More rights for beer drinkers and pubgoers
Access to market for small and independent brewers and cider producers
Recognising traditional cask ale under UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Better protection for pubs (England only)
Change the business rates system to make it fairer for pubs (England only)
According to CAMRA, just 17% of real ale drinkers consider themselves very confident in identifying the difference between global brands and independent brewers at the bar.
Meanwhile, more than three quarters (77%) of those surveyed supported changes to give licensees the ability to serve independently brewer beer rather than products manufactured by the few big players.
With 12% of Brits having said they consider the average pint price affordable, CAMRA called on the next Government to tackle this with fairer taxes that would recognise and encourage the social benefits of consuming beer, cider and perry on licensed premise.
Furthermore, CAMRA has also urged the party that will next come into power to improve consumer rights and for there to be better access to market for independent producers.
Immediate action
CAMRA chair Nik Antona said: “Our campaigning priorities – and the priorities of consumers across Britain – are clear.
“The next Government should take immediate action for pubs, pints and people. Consumers should get a new right to a full pint and Government should make sure people know where their beer is coming from, to stop confusion over global giants pretending to be local craft brewers.
“It’s shocking only 12% believe a pint is affordable and making tax on pints fairer should also be a priority in order to keep pub going accessible.”