Press Release 1 April 2010
DAVID HAMILTON MP Backs Community Pubs, Members Clubs Local Brewers and Consumer Rights!
Midlothian MP David Hamilton has continued his campaign to support the British pub by signing an election pledge by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).
David has singed the pledge to commit himself to a number of policies relating to the UK pub industry. This issue has been a priority for David over recent months, he has been working in Parliament to lower the duty paid by pubs and to ensure that other measures are introduced to support local pubs.
David Hamilton has committed to:
Promote the interests of Britain's pub/club goers
Champion well-run community pubs
Support the rebalancing alcohol taxation to support beer and pubs/clubs
Press for reform of Pub beer ties to deliver a fair deal for consumers
Support the role of well-run pubs as solutions to alcohol misuse
These commitments are based on a campaign being run by CAMRA. CAMRA's new Beer Drinkers and Pub Goers Charter sets out a series of options for supporting well-run community pubs, local brewers and consumer rights.
Speaking after signing up to CAMRA's Beer Drinkers and Pub Goers Charter, David Hamilton said:
"I am proud to be speaking up for community pubs and clubs, local brewers and consumers. Well-run pubs are the bedrock of community life - they are part of the solution to the problem of alcohol misuse and not part of the problem. They deserve our support."
Previously David has raised these issues in Parliament. Speaking in Parliament he has urged all parties to agree to change the rates of duty allowing draught beer sold in pubs and clubs to have a lower rate of duty from the cans and bottles sold in supermarkets. In a debate on Febraury 23rd he said:
"The Government have the opportunity to separate draft beer tariffs from those of normal beer where canned beer is involved. It would need a change in the European legislation, but surely all parties can agree across the board that if we change the draft beer position, that would give an edge to all the pubs and clubs that are involved."
David Hamilton will continue to lobby for this change in duty in Parliament.
Mike Benner, CAMRA's Chief Executive welcomed David Hamilton's support for the Charter, saying:
"We are delighted that David Hamilton has promised to work to promote the interests of beer drinkers and pub goers. Well-run pubs make a huge contribution to community life, each of which injects £80,000 into their local economy every year. Amid growing concern over the loss of more than 5 pubs a day, it is now more important than ever to support well-run community pubs, to promote local brewers and to protect the interests of consumers."
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