Kate Griffiths, Member of Parliament for Burton and Uttoxeter, has spoken in a debate in the House of Commons on support for the hospitality sector, and called for a change to Alcohol Duty to support pubs with a drinks-led business model following a difficult year for the brewing industry as result of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Burton’s MP spoke about the merits of introducing a new lower Alcohol Duty on draught beer that was poured in the pub, compared to alcohol purchased in a supermarket. Kate Griffiths urged the Small Business Minister, Paul Scully MP, to consider the change as part of a forthcoming review of Alcohol Duty as a way to support hospitality venues bounce back and lead the recovery.
The MP also raised Carling’s Support Your Local campaign in the Commons, which highlights the role of pubs as community hubs, and the benefits they bring to their local area. These include job opportunities for young adults—and in Burton’s case—the town’s heritage too!
Like the high street’s Shop Local campaign, the Support Your Local campaign is calling on residents to visit their local pub when they re-open on 12th April.
Kate Griffiths MP said: “The Government has provided unprecedented financial support for the hospitality sector during the pandemic, which has no doubt saved many pubs and many jobs.
“But if we are to ensure a strong recovery for our pubs, the Government needs to do everything possible to help them bounce back successfully after the most difficult of years.
“This includes helping to level the playing field between buying a pint in a pub to purchasing a can in a supermarket.
“The forthcoming review is a prime opportunity to make this change with a new Draught Beer Alcohol Duty, and I will continue to press this idea with ministers.”
