Chiswick brewer sends bold message to the Chancellor to help save the British pub

Local brewer Fuller's is sending a clear message to the Chancellor ahead of this month’s budget announcement with a huge banner at its Griffin Brewery in Chiswick.

The banner, situated on the Hogarth Roundabout, one of the busiest roundabouts in Europe, urges the public to say no to the Chancellor’s planned beer duty hike by lobbying their MP at the dedicated campaign website, www.axethebeertax.com. Concerned pub-goers can also send a message to the Chancellor by texting the word ‘Lobby’ to 81025.

Unveiling the banner, Fuller’s Chairman, Michael Turner, said: “The tax on beer imposed by the Chancellor has been increased by 18% in the last year alone and British drinkers pay more tax on their pint than anywhere else in Europe. Enough is enough.

“We have seen over 2,000 pubs close their doors for good in the last 12 months, with the loss of around 20,000 jobs. In many cases, the loss of a pub also means the loss of a family’s home.

“Through this campaign, we are asking the Chancellor to abandon the 2% above inflation increase announced at the last budget and give British pubs a fighting chance of survival in the current downturn.

“The banner on the Griffin Brewery wall will be seen by hundreds of thousands of motorists every day. I hope Mr Darling will take note and see sense on April 22.”

April 3, 2009