Beer tax petition hits 90,000 mark (From Swindon Advertiser)

Beer tax petition in Swindon hits 90,000 mark

9:39am Tuesday 28th August 2012 in News

AN e-petition against the rise in alcohol duty backed by the Swindon Campaign for Real Ale branch has hit 90,000 signatures – just 10,000 shy of the number which could prompt a debate in Parliament.

Every year the tax escalator increases the tax on beer by two per cent above the rate of inflation.

The petition is calling for the escalator to be moved at the next budget to help pubs.

It reads: “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.”

Swindon CAMRA Chairman Hans Hoffbauer has warned that the escalator is ruining the trade.

The petition can be found online at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/29664/?friendly_id=saveyourpint