The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) has attacked the Government for failing to include a commitment to a ban on the sale of alcohol below cost price as part of the upcoming Police Reform and Social Responsibility.

Both the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties that make up the Coalition Government made the ban a pledge in their election manifestoes, but ministers announced today that it would not be included in the bill.

Camra said a delay on the introduction of a ban, combined with other proposals released today as part of the bill – such as a levy on late-night licensing – meant that the on-trade would be hit hardest.

Mike Benner, Camra chief executive, said: “This delay will only add to pubs’ woes at a time when so many are struggling to survive. Pubs are already set to be hit hard by a VAT increase to 20% in the New Year which they simply cannot afford to absorb so will have to pass on to customers. This means that the differential in prices between pubs and supermarkets will continue to widen.

“This Christmas, you only need to look at the incredibly low alcohol prices in supermarkets to see just how desperately we need to curb their irresponsible behaviour. Beer in supermarkets can be as much as six times cheaper than beer sold in pubs, which is driving people away from the responsible, regulated environment of well-run pubs and leading many to drink at home.”

Taken from:  caterersearch.com

Taken from:  Scotsman

Keith Bott, chairman of the Society of Independent Brewers.

The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) has welcomed today’s Emergency Budget decision not to raise beer duty, but has criticised the announced increase in VAT as “more of the same” failure to understand the impact on pubs. SIBA points out that, without a compensatory cut in beer duty, prices will rise higher in pubs than in the off trade, and yet more pubs will close.

Chairman Keith Bott commented, “We became accustomed to the last administration talking up its support for pubs and then imposing fiscal measures that ensured more of them went to the wall. Now it seems the new Government is similarly unable or unwilling to make the connection between increasing beer prices and closing pubs. This increase will cause yet more distress to our beleaguered licensees who, let’s not forget, have already had to deal with one Budget this year.

“SIBA is particularly concerned that today’s VAT increase does nothing to encourage consumers to drink cask beer, rather than stronger alcohols with greater potential to cause harm. Cask beer, with its relatively low ABV, is always consumed in the controlled, socially responsible environment of the pub, making it a much less damaging form of alcohol than cheap supermarket-bought spirits.”

Bott added, “It seems particularly unfair that the Government is announcing another hammering for pubs just when they are coming into their own as hubs for communities across the country to gather and celebrate – or commiserate – together over England’s progress through the World Cup. We urge the Chancellor to give consideration in the next budget to a reduction in beer duty as a way of mitigating the particular damage that the increase in VAT will have on British pubs.

“We sincerely hope that the Government will recognise that beer and the pub industry are as deserving of their support as cider, which they have been so willing to allow to revert to duty rates that are less than half that for beer.”

The Government has announced that an “Emergency Budget” will take place on 22nd June.

The signs are that George Osborne plans to increase beer tax and could well also increase VAT to 20 per cent.

It is vital we do all we can to prevent this tax hike threat from happening.

The new Parliament, with 226 new MPs and Labour now in opposition, provides fresh opportunities for us to get our message across. 140 of the new intake backed our campaign as candidates. We need to ensure that they honour their commitment now they are MPs.

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Three industry groups are sending a joint letter to Chancellor George Osborne urging him to consider a “compensatory” cut in beer duty if VAT is increased in the emergency Budget.

For the full article go to:  The Publican

Tory MP John Penrose has been confirmed as the new minster responsible for licensing.

Despite widespread speculation the brief would go to the Home Office, the DCMS confirmed that its minister John Penrose will be responsible for licensing. Tourism also falls under Penrose’s brief.

Penrose, Conservative MP for Weston-Super-Mare, also holds the post as under-secretary of state at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

The MP’s professional career included stints as a banker at JP Morgan, management consultant, and book publishing. He is also a Cambridge law graduate. Other ministers at the DCMS are Hugh Robertson as minister for sport and the Olympics and Ed Vaizey takes up the role of minster for culture. Jeremy Hunt is Culture Secretary and is in charge of the overall department.

Taken from:  The Publican

By James Wilmore

The coalition government has committed to banning alcohol sales below cost, reviewing the alcohol tax system and overhauling the Licensing Act, in a wide-ranging policy document released today.

To view the full article go to:  The Publican