ALMR backs Healey but urges action on supermarkets

The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) has welcomed the Government's new measures to help pubs — but bemoaned the lack of action on cheap supermarket alcohol.

Reacting to the 12-point plan from pubs minister John Healey, ALMR chief executive Nick Bish said: "We are delighted that the Government has at last woken up to the social, economic and cultural importance of the UK's pubs and is taking us seriously as an industry.

"The reasons behind the recent spate of pub closures are many and complex and Mr Healey displays a good understanding of the politics and economics underpinning those.

"Pubs are not looking for a hand-out but they do need a hand up to ensure that they have the flexibility and freedom to retail profitably and responsibly. Today's announcement shows that the Government recognises that regulatory intervention may be required to deliver that fair and open market.

"We are disappointed, however, that there is no reference to the unfair competition pubs face from pocket money prices, deep discounting and irresponsible promotions in supermarkets. That is the last piece of the jigsaw to be addressed and we urge the Government to complete the picture.

"The proposals announced today mirror those put forward by the ALMR and the Independent Pub Confederation when we met the minister recently and we are delighted he has taken them on board.

"They are the same proposals put forward by lessee groups during last Autumn's mediation and it remains a deep disappointment that more progress could not be made to address them at that stage."