MPs in plea to cut duty on draught beer

More than 100 Conservative MPs have urged Chancellor Rishi Sunak to do more to support pubs and clubs at next week’s budget.

In a letter, the Tory backbenchers called for a freeze on alcohol duties to remain in place alongside a cut in duty for draught beer.

“Moreover, it would be easy to understand, simple to administer, and importantly, demonstrate this government’s clear commitment to Britain’s pubs.”

The campaign to cut draught beer beer has been spearheaded by North West Durham MP Richard Holden and is being supported by former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith and ex-cabinet ministers Alun Cairns and Karen Bradley.

Their letter acknowledges that a freeze on alcohol duties would cost the Treasury around £300m in lost tax receipts and would therefore require higher taxes or lower spending elsewhere, or more borrowing

However, they claim it would be a “worthwhile trade-off” to help pubs, clubs and brewers “thrive and survive” after the pandemic.

Mr Holden said: “Our pubs are the heart and soul of our communities.

“The support given to pubs through furlough and grants throughout the global pandemic has been great but there is no denying that the hospitality sector has been hit harder than any other by the pandemic.

“That is why I am leading the call from over 100 colleagues for the chancellor to cut draught beer duty.

“A cut will not only significantly bolster our much loved pubs across our towns and villages, but also have great knock-on effects for British agriculture and employment, especially for young people in our hospitality sector.

“Over 100 fellow Conservative MPs and I hope that after a tough period, the chancellor will give our pubs and clubs something to raise a drink to this budget.”

Sign up to our newsletter and get all the latest LCN content here >>>http://eepurl.com/deVW