Beer tax 'leading to pub closures' claims Andrew Griffiths MP

A Conservative MP claims taxation policies have encouraged people to drink spirits, wine and cider, which has harmed beer sales and accelerated the number of pub closures.

Andrew Griffiths MP said pubs get 65% of other profits from beer sales, and the Treasury was losing out from fewer pubs and falling beer sales.

He is one of the MPs calling for an end to the "beer duty escalator" where the average Briton spends £177 a year on beer tax. An online petition on the subject has attracted 100,000 signatures calling for action.

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