Budget: Some Thoughts on Saving the Pub

While glad that, for once, alcohol is exempted from duty increases I am disappointed that Cameron, Osborne and Clegg didn't use this moment of economic crisis to bring about positive change for the licensed trade and therefore for the country as a whole.

Most seem agreed that the pub is in crisis.

One of the key reasons for this is extreme promotional discounting by supermarkets - often to below the cost at which landlords can buy beer. Why not, therefore reduce tax on draft beer and cider sold into the licensed trade?

And set a minimum price for alcohol while you're at it.

If we want to save the community pub, and I think most are agreed that we do, these are crucial first steps.

(you can expect a book on this subject from yours truly in due course, but don't start holding your breath quite yet)