A BREWERY boss has welcomed House of Commons support for a review into the economic and social impact of the beer duty escalator.
Bury St Edmunds-based Greene King chief executive Rooney Anand said: “Since the introduction of the beer duty escalator in 2008, duty on beer has risen 42%, driving up the retail price of beer in pubs.
“At the same time, in the off-trade, alcohol remains available at pocket-money prices.
“These factors have contributed to the closure of over 5,800 pubs in the last four years. Set against a backdrop of economic downturn and recession, and at a time when pubs are having to cope with rising overheads and an increasing regulatory burden, the beer duty escalator is yet another challenge for pubs to overcome.”
“Greene King therefore urges the Government to implement a review, which we hope will lead to the removal of the beer duty escalator, and will greatly benefit this traditional British industry, safeguarding jobs and contributing to long-term economic growth.”
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