BBPA outlines pub trade priorities in new manifesto

In its manifesto published today (10 July), the trade body claimed lower taxes, policies to promote growth and greater support for partnership working were the priorities for the beer and pub sector up until 2020.

The BBPA said it would rally politicians from all parties in the run-up to the election. With fairer taxes a top priority, the association wanted to see more initiatives aimed at reducing the business-rates burden for community and high street pubs, and a review of the case for a lower rate of VAT on pub and restaurant meals.

Partnerships​

Through its manifesto, it argued for more support for voluntary initiatives and partnerships, such as Pubwatch, Best Bar None, Business Improvement Districts and community alcohol partnerships.

As part of its aim to reduce the regulatory burden, the BBPA is also calling for a moratorium on new licensing regulation.

BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds said: “With the general election just months away, our focus is on persuading politicians that with the right policies, we can have a thriving beer and pub sector serving local communities, and with investment and employment growth.

Moratorium​

“Our manifesto will help us to make a clear and strong case on all these issues, with a further duty cut in the Budget in March 2015 our immediate priority.”

Simmonds added: “Our sector is weighed down by unnecessary regulation – another set of burdens that hamper our ability to create growth and jobs. This is why our proposals include a moratorium on new licensing regulation.”