I fully support my local MP David Davis in demanding action to protect local pubs, which are presently closing at a rate of 36 per week across the country. My own local (yes I do have one!) has been hit with the double whammy of the smoking ban and the unfair competition from supermarkets, garages and shops selling cheap beer as a loss leader.
David Davis has signed an Early Day Motion in Parliament which calls for an end to supermarkets selling beer at a price even cheaper than bottled water..
David Davis MP said:
“Everybody likes a bargain, but I believe that the supermarkets are behaving irresponsibly in selling beer cheaper than water. By engaging in these sorts of practices, the supermarkets are hastening the rate of closure of our local pubs. We presently have 36 pubs per week closing across the country, much higher than in previous years. The current rate of closure means that more and more villages in the coming months and years face a pub-less future.
Pubs are often the backbone of our local communities, particularly in villages where, thanks to Labour’s Post Office closures, residents have precious few facilities or services left to enjoy. Government rises in beer duty have compounded this problem further and that is why I have signed this Early Day Motion in Parliament demanding that the Government looks at the pricing policy of beer in supermarkets as more needs to be done to support our local pubs.”
The Early Day Motion is as follows
That this House notes with concern that Asda supermarkets are selling Skol lager at a price of £0.90 pence for 4x440ml cans which is the equivalent of 5.11 pence per 100ml; further notes that Asda supermarkets are selling Evian still water at 5.55 pence per 100ml; is appalled that any supermarket is selling beer cheaper than water; questions whether this is an example of loss leading sales; encourages all supermarkets to cease this practice immediately; recognises the negative effect that this has on the brewing and pub industries, with 36 pub closures a week; and calls on the Government to look at the pricing policy of beers in supermarkets as opposed to public houses.
1 comment:
Hi Paul
Yes, it would be a pity to lose our local pubs, which are an integral part of our community identity, but pubs need to move with the times and help themselves.
All my adult life I've felt excluded from this supposedly convivial atmosphere by the fug of smoke - and now I can actually envisage going into a pub without lung damage and an expensive drycleaning bill, I find I haven't been missing much - who wants to spend an evening in a draughty, dark, uncomfortable room with ghastly decor and the noise of somebody else's choice of entertainment on a big TV, where, if you're lucky, dull nursery food may be available at specific times, fresh from the freezer, and where the drinks on offer are poor quality, tepid and boring, while the smokers are now thoughtfully provided with special accommodation in peace and quiet?
We are no longer all thirsty male manual workers seeking escape from domestic tyranny and squalor, some of us are women and we have nice, comfy, brightly lit houses with decent wine (or a sixpack of Skol for that matter) and healthy food chilling in the fridge, and a remote control to ourselves. We have the money to do this at home - how are the pubs going to persuade us to go out, socialise a bit more, and do it under their roofs?
Jane I
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