Oxfordshire publicans say beer tax rise 'killing trade'

Publicans and landlords across Oxfordshire say increases in beer tax linked to inflation are killing the industry.

The average pint now costs £3.19, but the beer tax escalator could see the costs rise anywhere between 5p and 10p.

Earlier, the government refused to scrap the tax after a petition signed by more than 104,000 people triggered a commons debate.

It pledged to keep it under review as figures revealed 16 pubs a week are closing across the country.