Commenting on the publication of beer sales figures today, ALMR CEO Kate Nicholls said: “The beer sales upturn reflects Government having listened to the united industry that lobbied on beer duty. However, the continued downturn of beer sale in pubs only emphasises the urgent need for Government action to address the other prong of our campaigning – business rates.
“The inequitable skew of the current business rates system favours digital enterprises and punishes pubs. It’s just not compatible with successful high streets and pubs.
“Pubs are facing ever-increasing costs and something has to give. The Government’s manifesto committed to reforming business rates and today’s figures are just the latest proof that swift action is critical.”