Read CAMRA's press release

12 Mar 2008
CAMRA slams inflation-busting beer duty increase as ‘a charter for smugglers and cheap supermarket booze'

Four penny tax increase will do nothing to curb binge drinking but will hit poorest the hardest.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has hit out at the Chancellor's decision to increase beer duty by 4 pence a pint in today's Budget, together with annual increases of 2% above inflation for the next four years. The consumer group claims that the increase will lead to at least 20 pence on a pint over the bar, fuelling pub closures and increasing unregulated drinking as more choose to drink at home or on the streets. This is the first time ever that beer tax has increased by 4 pence - a rise of 13%!

CAMRA recently announced that 57 pubs are lost permanently every month as the price differential between pubs and supermarkets widens. Pubs provide a regulated environment for people to enjoy alcohol socially and responsibly.

Mike Benner, Chief Executive of CAMRA said, “The Chancellor has failed to recognise that well-run community pubs are the solution to Britain's binge drinking problems. This budget will do nothing to stop binge drinking, but it will lead to pub closures on a huge scale, widen the gap between supermarket and pub prices and encourage smuggling and cross-border shopping. It's a great big nail whacked ruthlessly into the coffin of the British pub.”

LOCAL COMMENT:
"So once again the Government appears intent on ripping the heart out of local communities. First the Post Office closure programme, now further pressure on local independent pubs and brewers who do not have the ability to absorb costs like the big chains and supermarkets. Using the binge drinking card is a red herring. This is purely about raising revenue."

What do you think? Please get in touch.

Harrogate & Ripon CAMRA disclaimer
Latest update 01/05/08