Action on pub closure crisis

Figures released today reveal the extent to which UK pubs are suffering. According to CAMRA and the BBPA, there have been a record 2,000 pub closures since the 2008 Budget, with 20,000 jobs lost as a result. Moreover, additional research by business forecast company Oxford Economics predicts that a further 75,000 drinks industry jobs are at risk.

The announcement of these figures coincides with today’s cross-examination of five government ministers by MPs at the UK Pubs Crisis Ministerial Summit. A number of key industry experts will also be speaking at the event, including Jonathan Neame, chief executive of Shepherd Neame Ltd, and Mike Benner, chief executive of CAMRA.

Rob Hayward, chief executive of the BBPA, said: “We are urging the government to abandon the 2% over inflation drinks’ tax escalator due to start in March and pledge no further increases in excise duty in this year’s Budget”. He added, “We are also asking them to abandon the Mandatory Code in the Police and Crime Bill, which government say will cost the industry an extra £300 million this year alone and lead to further job losses and pub closures”.

Momentum has been building as awareness grows about the threat to the UK pub industry. Last week the Conservatives launched their ‘Save the British Pub’ campaign, while the Liberal Democrats have also pledged their support. The Early Day Motion entitled ‘Campaign to Save the Great British Pub’ received support from 160 MPs, including 76 from the Labour party.

Gabriel Savage, 04.03.09