BBPA and CAMRA launch 'Save the Pub' campaign

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) and the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) today joined forces to launch the 'Axe the Beer Tax - Save the Pub' campaign.

Helping to launch the campaign at the Westminster Arms, just yards from Parliament, was actress Jennifer Ellison, who poured pints for MPs.

The launch of the campaign comes in the wake of the government's decision to impose an eight per cent increase in alcohol duty, as part of its Pre-Budget Report.

The campaign's manifesto, 'Last Orders - a five-point plan to save the British pub', calls on the government to stop beer tax increases, enforce existing laws not create new ones, end irresponsible drinks promotions, not punish the majority of drinkers for the actions of an irresponsible minority and to support pubs as a vital part of local communities.

Speaking at the launch Rob Hayward, chief executive of the BBPA, said: "Pubs play a vital role in communities up and down the country and are an essential part of promoting a more responsible drinking culture.

"Yet recent changes can only force more and more people out of pubs - and more and more pubs out of business. This campaign will provide a voice to those who want to save the great British pub."

Mike Benner, chief executive of CAMRA, added: "People who like a quiet pint at the local pub are being singled out for some of the biggest tax increases ever imposed .

"With beer sales already falling, the scale of tax rises puts at risk parts of the brewing industry that can never be replaced once lost. At the current rate there will be 7,500 pubs lost by 2012. The latest tax increase must make that an underestimate."

Speaking from behind the bar Jennifer explained the reasons behind her decision to back the campaign. She said: "I love my local pub and we should support all pubs across the country as they are the heart of our communities."

For more information on the campaign visit www.axethebeertax.com.