PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
BEER DUTY ESCALATOR (17 February 2011)

That this House welcomes research from Oxford Economics which shows that the beer and pub sector sustains over 950,000 jobs across the UK; notes with concern that the above-inflation beer duty increases planned for March 2011 would add significantly to the price of a pub pint; recognises that the average price of a pint of beer in the UK has already passed 3 for the first time following the recent rise in the rate of valued added tax; and urges the Government to listen to consumer and industry groups, including the British Beer and Pub Association, the Society of Independent Brewers Association and the Campaign for Real Ale, who have united to call on the Chancellor to support Britain's beer and pub sector by suspending the beer duty escalator in 2011 to provide a vital boost for lower-strength drinks like beer, to alleviate pressure on community pubs and help to secure vital jobs throughout the UK, especially in towns and villages where alternative local employment is scarce.

Sponsored by:
Andrew Griffiths (Conservative)