The research, carried out this summer by market research firm Ipsos on behalf of the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), found 96% of Conservative MPs and 86% of Labour MPs were favourable towards the sector. Not a single MP held unfavourable views.
Regionally, a total of 93% of MPs representing the midlands (28) and 93% of those in the south (40) were favourable towards hospitality, while 77% of MPs representing the north (31) felt the same.
The BBPA said the findings underscored why the Chancellor must use this “once in a generation Budget” to reset rates and regulations to avoid more pub closures.
Universal support
BBPA CEO Emma McClarkin said: “When MPs from across the political divide are united in their recognition of the hospitality sector, it should be clear to the Chancellor the correct thing to do at the Budget is to back pubs.
“MPs know how much pubs matter to their constituents and communities, and we hope this further underlines the almost universal support of the pub.”
The trade body added hospitality was one of the highest taxed sectors in the UK, signalling a need for business rates reform, as pledged by Labour in its pre-election manifesto
Without rates relief, the BBPA estimated 2,000 pubs were at risk of closure next year, equivalent to a loss of more than 12,000 jobs and six closures a day.
Fiscal pressures
It called for Chancellor Rachel Reeves to grant the maximum 20p discount in the Budget, set to take place in five weeks time.
McClarkin added: “This Budget is a once in a generation opportunity to undo years of crushing fiscal pressures and reset rates and regulations which currently punish the pub and, therefore, jobs and communities.
“It must deliver meaningful business rates reform at pace, cut beer duty, mitigate soaring employment costs, and review the chaotic and unfair packaging tax.
“Doing this will mean pubs can grow from strength to strength and, with them, so will the economy, job market, and communities.”
