CAMRA also wants to tell the Prime Minister hopefuls about the need to protect the UK’s locals, safeguard the tradition of socialising at the pub and hear about the benefits pubs and breweries bring to communities and the economy across the country.
The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) has also thrown its weight behind the campaign on energy pricing and support for the sector.
The move comes as research from CAMRA last month found, for the first time, most people (52%) think the average price of a pint is unaffordable.
Points of discussion
CAMRA, which represents around 170,000 pubgoers, wants to see the next Prime Minister commit to protecting and promoting the UK’s pubs and breweries by taking action on huge energy bills faced by businesses in the sector; offer more help with the burden of business rates – and revamping the system so pubs aren’t penalised and online businesses pay a fair share.
It also wants introducing a new system of taxing alcohol, with a bigger cut in duty for beer and cider served on tap in pubs, taprooms and social clubs; and making sure this new system of duty on draught beer and cider applies to smaller containers so small, independent breweries, cider producers and pubs can benefit.
CAMRA national chairman Nik Antona said: “I’m inviting Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss to join me for a drink of their choice in their local so we can chat about how our pubs are a force for good in our communities. Whether you drink alcohol or not, they play a valuable role in bringing people together, tackling loneliness and social isolation.”
Under threat again
He continued: “Sadly, many pubs that survived the pandemic are now under threat once again from rocketing energy bills and the hugely increased cost of goods, which means many licensees are struggling to turn a profit.
“Without help from the next Prime Minister, we risk pubs and breweries closing their doors for good – with devastating effects for communities and local economies up and down the country.
“I hope that both candidates take up this offer and meet me to chat about how they can help to save our pubs.”
SIBA chairman Roy Allkin added: “With energy bills soaring, we are calling on Government to back British beer and help independent brewers with an energy price cap for small businesses, and to offer grants and incentives for the many businesses looking to brew with more green energy.
“It is also vital the Government’s plan to tempt people back to the pub with a new discounted draught duty rate is extended to the smaller 20 and 30-litre containers used by small brewers, or risk global lager brands being the only ones who benefit.”
The threat to pubs is clearly evident according to a survey by The Morning Advertiser, which found almost three quarters of pubs do not expect to survive the winter without Government intervention on energy costs.
