MINISTERS MUST AXE BEER TAX TO SAVE SCOTTISH PUBS

Hundreds of pubs and thousands of jobs in Scotland at risk, as Ministers gather in Dundee for Scottish Labour Party conference

More than 150 pubs have closed in Scotland in the last 12 months with the loss of about 1,500 jobs, according to the Scottish Beer and Pub Association.

And latest opinion poll evidence shows that two-thirds of Scots oppose Government plans to increase beer tax above inflation in the next month's Budget.

Ministers gather in Dundee for the Scottish Labour Party conference this weekend in the face of a growing campaign to "Axe the Beer Tax, Save the Pub" in Scotland and across the UK.

Figures compiled by CGA Strategy for the British Beer and Pub Association show that 65 pubs closed in Scotland in the last six months of 2008.  In the last year, just over 150 pubs have closed at the cost of 1,500 jobs.

The Scottish public is increasingly concerned about the decline of pubs as part of a general threat to local communities.  An opinion poll undertaken by ComRes between 20th and 22nd of February 2008, showed that:

• 82% of Scots believe that community spirit and values are under threat
• 56% of Scots believe that community spirit and values are less evident now than 10 years ago
• 59% of Scots believe that the local pub is an important element of local communities
• 82% believe that the Government does not do enough to support elements of local communities such as pubs.

ComRes also asked about Government plans to increase the tax on a pint of beer over and above the rate of inflation in next month's Budget.  In the current economic climate, 66% of Scots believed this was not justified.

About a third of the price of beer is taken up in tax.  Last year, the Chancellor increased beer tax by 18% and plans to impose further tax rises of 2% above inflation in this year's Budget and the following three years.

Patrick Browne, Chief Executive of the Scottish Beer and Pub Association, said:

"The beer and pub industry in Scotland is facing severe difficulties, as it is in the rest of the UK.  Yet Government still plans to impose additional taxes on an industry that has already been hit severely by successive increases.

"Scottish pubs cannot bear this sustained attack and as many as 150 pubs have closed in Scotland over the last year with the loss of up to 1,500 jobs.

"Pubs are at the heart of countless Scottish communities and provide a vital social meeting point as well as a place for safe, responsible drinking.  Yet their future is now under serious threat.

"I hope the Prime Minister, the Chancellor and other Ministers in Dundee this weekend consider the course that has been set and reconsider.  The difficult economic situation is making the plight of Scottish pubs hard enough even without further tax and regulation.

Mike Benner, Chief Executive of Camra, the Campaign for Real Ale said:

"I know of the real concern there is about the number of pubs closing in Scotland.  Their role in supporting community activity is a priceless asset, and we should do all we can to support them.

"The Axe the Beer Tax, Save the Pub Campaign has shown the strength of Scottish opinion on this issue and I hope the Government will take note and scrap plans to increase beer tax even further next month."