Save the great British Pub!

With nearly 6 pubs closing every day of the week and lmore and more local pubs under threat, the Conservatives believe that the Government should be doing more to save the Institution that is the Great British pub.

33% of the price of every pint goes in Beer Tax to the Chancellor. Now the Government plans to increase beer tax further.

We are calling on the Government to help save our pubs and safeguard jobs by:

1. Cutting taxes on lower alcohol drinks such as low alcohol beers and raising taxes on problem drinks like high strength ciders and alcopops in order to use the tax system to target binge drinking whilst ensuring that responsible drinkers and the traditional British pub are not unfairly penalised
2. Enforcing existing laws to deal firmly with irresponsible drinkers & premises
3. Trusting adults to make informed choices, not punish them for the actions of an irresponsible minority
4. Supporting the British pub as a vital part of local communities

Cllr Andy Morgan, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Bolton South East said "We all have our favourite local pub whether that's in Bolton, Farnworth, Kearsley, Horwich or Westhoughton but up and down the country people have been losing theirs. Not only are they a critical part of our heritage but they are often hubs for local communities helping social groups, sports clubs and often even the village shop.''

"For too long the Government has tried to tackle binge drinking by punishing responsible drinkers and landlords. With massive tax hikes and heavy-handed regulation, all that has happened is more and more pubs closing down. This has to stop. We should be proud of our brewers and proud of our pub industry and do what we can to support them - which is why we are launching this campaign."

"The future of British pubs are under threat and we must do all we can to save these great British institutions. Pubs are often small, family-run businesses - not only are they the social heart of their communities, they also provide jobs, and support the British brewing industry. Now, in the face of great adversity, we must do all we can to save our local pub."

"Pub companies also have a roll to play in supporting Tenant Landlords.  They not only tie their pubs to their own products but they also in many cases make them pay far more for a barrel than that they would charge a Free House Landlord which seems some what unfair.''

"We have to act now to save this British Institution from extinction, use them or lose them because once they are gone they are gone.''