Two thirds believe government must do more to protect pubs
- Guild Secretary
- 6 minutes ago
- 2 min read

Majority call time on inaction over protecting Britain’s pubs. 61% of the public believe that the government must do more to help save the industry.
As CAMRA’s Great British Beer Festival draws to a close, new polling shows the British public have lost faith in the government’s commitment to protect pubs.
More than six in every ten people believe the Government should be doing more to protect the existence of community pubs. Just 17% believe it is doing enough, a damning verdict on years of underinvestment, inconsistent support and a lack of long-term safeguarding for this cherished institution.
CAMRA Chairman, Ash Corbett-Collins, said:
"This week we’re celebrating everything that’s brilliant about pubs, brewing and beer. We will see every kind of brewer and representatives from across the industry all sharing their quality products and love for their craft.
"Yet, this polling shows that Brits understand the pressures they’re under. It’s now or never for pubs. The Budget is the last chance to ease the pressure and give them a fighting chance. We are calling on the Government to reverse the rise in Employer National Insurance contributions, cut duty on draught beer and make sure independent brewers can get their beers on the bar.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2247 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 30 – 31 July 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).
Apply for press passes for any day of the festival here: Great British Beer Festival | Press Access
Press passes are free, providing we can verify that you work in media.
You can apply for passes for multiple days, including our Trade Event, and entry includes a non-refundable glass and a festival programme.
Please use a work email to apply where possible, and we may contact you to verify your credentials.
Contact press@camra.org.uk with questions or bespoke filming requests.
About CAMRA:
CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, is a not-for-profit UK consumer group.
We have been campaigning for pubs, pints and people since 1971.
Media Contact:
CAMRA Press Office:
01727 337863
Third-party news items that are posted on the Guild website come from press releases and emails received by the Guild. These are posted as they have been received. Their publication on the Guild website is an informational service only and is neither an endorsement of the content, nor its sender, by the Guild. For enquiries, please use the contact details that can be found at the bottom of each post.