Taxation hikes damaging UK pubs, claim Tories

Date: 23rd February 2009

British pubs are being damaged by regulatory burden and steep taxation rises, the Conservative Party has claimed.

According to the opposition, up to six pubs a day are closing as a result of the economic climate and increasing amounts of red tape.

In response to this, the party has launched its Save the Great British Pub scheme, which has demanded that the government cut taxation on beer and other alcoholic drinks.

Jeremy Hunt, shadow culture secretary, described the UK's pub as "critical part of our heritage" and "hubs for local communities".

He said: "We should be proud of our brewers and proud of our pub industry and do what we can to support it."

Mr Hunt concluded that "heavy-handed" regulation was also playing a part in the downfall of British drinking establishments.

Earlier this month, an investigation by Close Invoice Finance found that many small businesses - such as pubs - were turning to friends and family members for loans.