PUBS IN BEER SALES SLUMP

Tax rises cause brewers’ droop

BEER sales in pubs, bars and restaurants have fallen by the biggest margin for five years.

Around 35million fewer pints were sold in the three months to September compared with the same period last year.

The British Beer and Pub Association warned boozers will continue to close if the trend continues.

Around 21 pubs shut every week as Brits stock up at supermarkets and off-licences.

And in 2016 pubs, clubs, hotels and restaurants sold less than shops for the first time.

On average, a pint of draught lager in a pub costs between £2.40 and £4.70 – 38% more than a decade earlier.

The price of a pint of bitter has also risen considerably, up from £1.80-£2.56 in 2006 to £2.05-£3.90.

The BBPA blamed “sky high” tax rates for the drastic increase in pub beer prices.

Chief executive Brigid Simmonds said: “When the Government was cutting or freezing beer duty from 2013-15, sales of British beer stabilised after years of steep decline.

“With sales down this quarter following the Budget tax hike, urgent action from the Chancellor is needed.

“Beer has had a 39% tax rise in the past decade. With tax rates 14 times higher than in Germany, these levels are unsustainable.

“We need fair taxes for British beer, so brewers and pub operators can invest in thriving pubs and take advantage of new opportunities to export more beer around the world as we leave the EU.”

The Campaign for Real Ale is calling for an annual £5,000 reduction in business rates for every pub in England.

Its Good Beer Guide editor Roger Protz said: “There is no better place for people to meet, enjoy a beer, strike up a conversation, make new friends and put the world to rights.

“Above all, the British pub has character and an atmosphere that could never be replaced.”

Camra’s 2012 national pub of the year, The Baum, in Rochdale, Lancashire, had its rateable value increased by 377% last year, putting the business in jeopardy.

Landlord Simon Crompton said: “In five years’ time when we have no rate relief at all I doubt whether we will be able to stay open.

“We will have to pay £3,500 more in rates every month as our rateable value has jumped up by almost £100,000.”