A group representing licensees in Nottingham City Centre has pledged its support for the Axe the Beer Tax campaign.

The Nottingham Leisure Partnership, which represents over 260 holders of premises licences in the city's Business Improvement District, backed the campaign at a launch for local businesses at the Bell Inn in the city's Market Square.

Leisure Partnership spokeswoman Pat Parkes, said: " We are right behind this campaign as we don't want to see further tax increases put more puibs out of business.

"In Nottingham, all licensees have taken their social responsibilities seriously and through their contributions to the Business Improvement District are investing in the City to make sure people enjoy their evening or night out.

" Our venues offer a controlled environment and promote responsible drinking. It is wrong that the majority of sensible drinkers have to be punished by way of taxes because of binge-drinking by a minority."

BBPA Midlands chairman Stephen Gould told guests that over 90 pubs had closed in the region in the past couple of years and further tax increases would put more pubs and small businesses under pressure, leading to further closures.

In the picture, front, left to right are: John Murphy, Nottingham Leisure Partnership Head of Operations and Marketing, Pat Parkes and Stephen Gould.