An e-petition against alcohol duty, backed by Swindon’s Campaign for Real Ale branch, has attracted 77,000 signatures.

Every year the tax escalator increases the tax on beer by two per cent above the rate of inflation.

The petition is calling for the escalator to be removed at the next Budget to help pubs.

Swindon CAMRA’s chairman Hans Hoffbauer has warned that the escalator is ruining the trade.

To see the petition, visit http:// epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/ 29664/?friendly_id=saveyourpint