Mark Tami MP has today pledged his support for the Long Live the Local Campaign to help pubs in Alyn and Deeside keep their doors open. Mark Tami joins the more than 100,000 people who have signed the petition so far, including 168 in Alyn and Deeside.

Mark Tami MP is calling on the Government to cut beer tax at the Budget. With £1 in every £3 pounds spent in UK pubs going to the taxman, British drinkers now pay 40% of all beer tax across the EU, but drink only 12% of the beer. Brewing and pubs in Alyn and Deeside supports 822 jobs and contributes £17.5m to the local economy.

Commenting on the campaign, Mark Tami MP said:

“I am a firm believer that the Government should consider a cut to beer tax. Pubs are struggling to stay afloat in the current climate and it is very alarming that three British pubs are closing their doors for good every day. I’m supporting he Long Live the Local campaign and calling on the Chancellor to cut beer tax at this year’s Budget to support pubs in our local communities.”

Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said:

“Beer duty has increased by 60% over the last 17 years and now the UK has one of the highest rates of tax in Europe. When over two thirds of all alcoholic drinks purchased in the pub are beers, a cut in beer tax would go a long way to protecting pubs across Alyn and Deeside. We are very grateful to Mark Tami for their support for the Long Live the Local campaign, and hope that the Government listens to MPs across Parliament and the thousands of people across the country who are calling for a cut in beer tax to protect our pubs.”