Pubs licking their wounds as Darling raises beer duty again

Despite a concerted effort from the pub industry - including warnings that the Treasury is actually losing out on tax revenue because of recent rises in beer tax - the chancellor has once again hit publicans with a 2% rise.

While there were accusations last year that the pub industry's lobbying ahead of the 2008 Budget was ineffective and not joined up, that is not something that can be thrown at the sector this time around.

The "Axe the Beer Tax, Save the Pub" campaign was thorough - including research of MPs, consumers as well as publicans - and high-profile, including a demonstration outside Parliament.

It just seems that alcohol is too easy a target for a chancellor already on the ropes over public debt, wrong estimates and various other recession related issues.

The BBPA is this afternoon warning that the latest tax rise signs a "death warrant" for the British pub, while the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers said the Budget proves the chancellor "doesn't give a XXXX" for British pubs.

It is just a shame that Darling hasn't managed to grasp the seriousness of the situation.

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