Hobgoblin has taken a stand and is lobbying the UK Government to review the beer duty tax escalator.
Every year, the beer tax escalator increases the tax on beer by 2% above the rate of inflation, thus adding considerably more pressure on the British pub, the cornerstone of many of our communities. Removing the beer duty escalator at the next budget will help keep beer more affordable and go a long way to supporting the institution that is – the great British pub.
The campaign aims to collate 100,000 signatures to urge the Government to stop the beer duty escalator, which is a challenge in itself.
Wychwood Brewery Marketing Manager, Chris Keating adds: “The Hobgoblin is the perfect front man for such a campaign because he has a loyal fan base. His reach is now at an all time high, following on from our successful Halloween campaign and summer music festival activity. We want to unite trade and consumer support and importantly continue the campaign beyond the next UK budget day.
“Cheeky but also straight to the point, the Hobgoblin is definitely the character to rally people into action and make beer drinkers realise how much tax they are actually paying on their beloved pint!
“There seems to be a consensus that each year we, as beer drinkers just accept a rise in tax as the norm – surely it’s time for us all to show our aggravation and shout louder.”
The e-petition hosted at: www.wychwood.co.uk/byny urges beer lovers to show support for the Great British pub and to sign-up if they want to continue enjoying a fresh pint in their local because essentially, we are at risk of losing more pubs and jobs within our local communities if we don’t show our support.
The campaign aims to raise consumer support for the Great British pub. This will be done through a range of activities including a launch with one of the campaign’s supporter’s – Greg Mulholland, MP for Leeds North West and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Save the Pub Group.
The campaign aims to raise consumer support for the Great British pub. This will be done through a range of activities including a launch with one of the campaign’s supporter’s – Greg Mulholland, MP for Leeds North West and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Save the Pub Group.
Mr. Mulholland said: “This campaign is a positive step forward and can not only go some way to highlighting the damaging beer duty escalator but it will also encourage people to go into their local and show their support, which is crucial.
“We are forever hearing negative press stories on pub closures and beer price increases. This year will provide lots of opportunities to support the great brutish pub including the Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, however it’s essential that all who care about the Great British pub unite and emphasise the positive message of supporting your local whatever the occasion.”
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