UKIP and JFL petition for investigation into pub trade

The UK Independence Party (UKIP) and Justice for Licensees (JFL) are petitioning the government for a Royal Commission investigation into the pub trade.

They have called for the independent investigation to include, but not be restricted to, pricing structures and discounts given and received by the breweries and pubcos, the rental system, valuations of the estates, and business practices.

UKIP MEP Paul Nuttall said: "I have spent a considerable time investigating the reasons for the decline of the great British pub and with pubs closing at a stupendous rate of 28 a week it is vital that urgent action is taken. We urge this government to seriously consider a Royal commission investigation of the public house trade."

Inez Ward, of the campaign group JFL, added: "Pubs are important and they need help, for those who care bout the Great British Pub, who know the benefits the pubs brings and want to see it survive into the next century, then the time is now to use your voice and urge this government to agree with a Royal Commission investigation.

"It is imperative that we get to the truth of the matter for the benefit of the pubs, the communities that need them, the people that run them, the people that use them and for those that rely on them to increase their own revenues."

"Pubs are the hub of our communities" said UKIP leader Nigel Farage. "We believe that they are worthy of saving. We have an indepth manifesto for the pub industry we are the only UK political party who take the plight of the Great British Pub seriously.

Nick Hogan, pub operator and National Licensee spokesman for UKIP, said: "I believe that with red tape, VAT and duty increases, the unfair competition from supermarkets and the unbalanced relationship between landlord and tenant the plight of the industry has never looked so grim."

Sign the petition​ here​.

Add your name to the Publican's Morning Advertiser's petition to get VAT cut to 5% for the hospitality industry here​.​