Pauline Latham OBE MP recently attended an event in the House of Commons hosted by the British Beer and Pub Association.
At this event figures showing the impact of the economic impact of the Brewing and Pub Sector were revealed. Pauline was interested to learn of the huge economic contribution made by breweries and pubs in her constituency and across the UK. It was noted that the Beer and Pub Sector supports almost 900,000 jobs and adds £23bn in value to the UK economy. In Mid-Derbyshire there are 70 pubs which provide 740 jobs.
Pauline listened to the concerns of representatives in relation to the high business rates which pubs face and the impact of an increase in beer tax earlier this year.
Pauline said, “Pubs certainly play an extremely positive role in our communities and have a huge social and economic benefits. In Mid-Derbyshire we are very lucky to have many lovely pubs, which I regularly enjoy visiting with family and friends.
I appreciate the significant economic benefit which pubs provide both locally and nationally, with 740 jobs provided in my constituency alone!
I believe that the Government should recognise the contribution of the pubs and brewery sector and the significant benefits which they bring to our economy. I would encourage the Chancellor not to increase beer tax in the Budget, as this is likely to have a negative effect on the Brewing and Pub Sector.”