Lewisham Deptford Conservatives

Save the Great British Pub

With nearly 6 pubs closing every week up and down the country and even more pubs under increasing threat, I believe the Government should be doing more to save and support as many pubs as possible.

As you will already know, 33 per cent of the price of every pint goes in Beer Tax to the Chancellor and the government now has plans to increase this further.

The Conservatives have called on the government to help save our local pubs and safeguard jobs by:
1. Cutting taxes on lower alcohol drinks such as low alcohol beers and raising taxes on problems drinks like high strength ciders and alcopops in order to use the tax system to target binge drinking whilst ensuring that responsible drinkers and the traditional British pub are not unfairly penalised.
2. Enforcing existing laws to deal firmly with irresponsible drinkers and premises.
3. Trusting adults to make informed choices, not punish them for the actions of an irresponsible minority.
4. Supporting the British pub as a vital part of local communities.

If you would like to show your support to the party and this campaign then please sign the online petition here.

If you would like to become active locally, email us at ldconservatives@hotmail.co.uk

I personally believe that local pubs are the heart of a community, especially in places like Lewisham where people live busy lives, move house frequently and sometimes do not even know their neighbours. No matter where you move to in the city, one of your first thoughts is whether you have a nice local. Supporting local pubs along with all small businesses is even more important during the ongoing recession, pubs are often family run businesses, they provide local jobs and help support the British brewing industry.

Gemma visited pubs in Lewisham Deptford on Saturday 4th April to launch the campaign and get signatures for the petition.

Gemma Townsend
3rd April 2009