Newcastle North MP, Catherine McKinnell, has pledged her support for the Long Live the Local campaign to help pubs in her constituency keep their doors open.
The Tyneside MP is joined by the more than 114,000 people who have signed the campaign’s petition across the country, including 155 in Newcastle North.
In the run-up to the Autumn Budget on 29th October, the Long Live the Local campaign is highlighting that £1 in every £3 spent in UK pubs goes to the taxman – meaning that British drinkers now pay 40% of all beer tax across the EU, whilst drinking only 12% of the beer.
Brewing and pubs support over 1,300 jobs in Catherine’s constituency, contributing £22.6million to the local economy – with four breweries and 30 local pubs located in Newcastle North.
Catherine said:
‘I’ve been contacted by many constituents in recent weeks about the Long the Live Local campaign, highlighting how important responsible community pubs are to local people, and the areas in which they live.
‘But Britain’s pubs continue to close at an alarming rate, with an average of three shutting down every day – and beer duty and business rates aren’t helping this situation. I agree that the Chancellor should be looking at a package of support to back this industry, before it is too late.’
Brigid Simmons, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), said:
‘Beer duty has increased by 60% over the last 17 years and now the UK has one of the highest rates of tax in Europe. When over two thirds of all alcoholic drinks purchased in the pub are beers, a cut in beer tax would go a long way to protecting pubs across Newcastle North. We are very grateful to Catherine for her support for the Long Live the Local campaign.’