Industry bodies call on PM hopefuls to declare support for pubs

Industry bodies have written to Jeremy Hunt and Boris Johnson calling on the leadership hopefuls to drive forward reforms to support the pub sector if they are elected Prime Minister.

Signatories including UKHospitality and the British Beer and Pub Association have said stability in the sector can only be delivered by a basket of policy reform including a freeze on beer duty for the rest of this parliament, an overhaul of the business rates system and a VAT review.

The letter also calls on government to guarantee that tariff free trade on food and drink with the EU will continue, along with a labour supply for hospitality businesses.

"The operating environment is approaching crisis point, and we cannot stand by without making this a top priority for a new Prime Minister. We and our sector allies have sent a firm but friendly reminder to Mr Hunt and Mr Johnson that the venues that Britons value so highly are at risk, and we have called upon them to take simple but effective measures to safeguard our pubs."

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