Hook Norton says Axe the Beer Tax and Save the Pub

Enough is enough says Hook Norton’s James Clarke

Hook Norton is giving its backing to a major campaign mobilising public and political support to Save the Great British Pub.

The campaign Axe the Beer Tax – Save the Pub, follows the decision by the Government to impose further duty rises on beer and pubs in last year’s Pre-Budget Report.
A third of a price of a British pint now goes to the taxman.

This announcement, on top of the big duty rise in March last year and the planned increases due to be imposed in each of the next four years, means that by 2012 beer tax is set to rise by a further 40 per cent.

Hook Norton Managing Director James Clarke said: “Enough is enough. Our customers already pay nearly a third of the price of every pint to the taxman. And now beer tax is set to rise by an incredible 40 per cent over the next three years.
“Community pubs are at the heart of countless communities across Britain. They are where people meet and socialise, and they promote responsible and sensible drinking.

“Yet with beer sales already falling, the scale of tax rises puts at risk these pubs.”
“This Axe the Beer Tax – Save the Pub will provide a voice to those who want to save the great British pub – and we urge everyone to sign up on the campaign’s website www.axethebeertax.com to register their support.”

All those concerned about the future of pubs are urged to sign up to the campaign on its website www.axethebeertax.com where they can lobby their MP and sign an on-line petition. In addition you can join the Fair Deal on Beer Tax Facebook group.