BEER FEAR
Pub chiefs have ramped up calls to cut “devastatingly high” beer taxes in this month’s Budget.
Model Jodie Kidd, who bought a country pub threatened with closure, delivered a 106,000-strong petition to Downing Street yesterday backing the move.
It comes amid forecasts that one in 10 pubs could close within five years if beer duties are not reduced.
TV presenter Kidd told the Mirror: “It’s a tough industry. In our lifetimes we could lose all of this amazing heritage and history in our local pubs.”
The petition was organised by the Long Live the Local campaign, backed by brewers and pub companies.
It has been criticised by some health campaigners who say making alcohol more affordable increases harm.