We’re fortunate to have some of the country’s best pubs & clubs right on our doorstep. However, the sector has been hit harder than any both by the pandemic and energy price rises. I know they need our support now more than ever.
That is why, ever since I have been elected as your Member of Parliament I have been helping out wherever I can. From small things like bringing Consett Ale Works' Beer to the House of Commons bar, to awarding the Grey Bull as North West Durham ‘pub of the year’ to leading huge campaigns backed by hundreds of MPs last year to freeze beer duty and introducing lower draught beer duty coming later this year - including after much campaigning for beer in kegs of 20 litres or more to help small and craft breweries and pubs.
I am so pleased that there has been yet another win for them as beer duty has been frozen until AT LEAST August 2023 rather than the 1st February as had previously been the case.
I know this will be warmly welcomed by landlords and public alike. The end date aligns with the new simpler alcohol tax system taking effect. Not only will this save our local pubs thousands of pounds but will also reduce bureaucracy, increase efficiency and boost productivity.
