GOVERNMENT MUST NOT CALL TIME ON LOCAL PUBS

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 25th Mar 2004

Liberal Democrat MP Sue Doughty is supporting CAMRA's (Campaign for Real Ale) campaign to extend the level of progressive beer duty for family brewers and allow local authorities to grant up to 100% rate relief to endangered community pubs.

Sue said; "Independent pubs and breweries are at the heart of our community but we are in danger of losing an important element of local life.

"Britain's high streets are becoming increasingly awash with branded pubs and chains of bars, we must act to save our small local pubs from extinction.

"The Government should help to keep the beer flowing in these unique local businesses by allowing urban community pubs to benefit from rate relief. Sole village pubs already enjoy this benefit ad extending the level of progressive beer duty would boost the market for independent family brewers.

"CAMRA's plans to help local communities save their pubs from closure or absorption should be championed. Pubs like these reflect the personality of their local area and it would be a shame to lose such character in favour of themed bars."