Responding to the government’s announcement of a “red-tape review” of the licensing system to better support pubs across England and Wales, CAMRA chairman Ash Corbett-Collins said: “Making it easier for pubs to stay open later and apply for outdoor seating areas is all well and good, but it is frankly insulting for ministers to suggest that cutting red tape in the licensing system is going to support pubs and boost economic growth when our locals are being taxed to the hilt and are struggling to keep the lights on and the doors open.
“When making the announcement the prime minister said pubs are ‘the beating heart of our communities’. If he means that, and if he is really serious about saving our locals, then he needs to urgently commit to cutting the tax burden on businesses in the Budget next month.
“Without bold action on VAT, energy bills, National Insurance and duty to support publicans, consumers and breweries then we simply risk losing more of the nation’s locals for good.”
