Pubs play a unique role in British traditions and values. Friends are made and communities come together in pubs. Beer and pubs contribute £26 billion to the UK economy, boosting local towns' economies by an average of £100,000.
I know that ordinary people in Newcastle want to keep buying a hard-earned pint at an affordable price. Unfortunately, the price of a pint of beer is around 1/3 tax.
That is why I am supporting the Long Live the Local campaign, run by the British Beer & Pub Association. The Association, under the leadership of Chief Executive Emma McClarkin (pictured) represent 90% of the beer brewed in Britain today and around 20,000 pubs.
They have submitted a plan of action to the Chancellor before the upcoming Budget calling for a reform of the tax system in the sector. This includes cutting beer duty and changing how business rates are applied to pubs.
Lower tax on beer will help keep a trip to the pub an affordable pleasure and help with business rates will protect the locals we love.