Ian McCartney MP

Wigan MP's Ian McCartney & Neil Turner are pulling pints for punters in support of local pubs as they joined the staff at the popular Wigan Town Centre real ale pub The Anvil.

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) stated that recent tax increases on beer prices are a "death warrant" for pubs across the UK.

The ‘Axe the Beer Tax’ campaign has got off to a flying start with thousands of people visiting the official website to become supporters. The campaign is a joint venture between the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) and the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

The BBPA and CAMRA are calling on the government to stop plans to increase the beer tax, enforce existing laws rather than creating new ones, end irresponsible drink promotions, not penalise the majority for the irresponsible actions of a minority, and to support the British pub as a vital part of local communities.

Ian McCartney MP said, "It's really important that people support their local pub. Like thousands of others, I like to spend an evening with friends at a local pub. It's a great British tradition and needs our support and I am pleased to support this campaign."

“Of course, all industries must adapt and change to survive and the Brewing Industry is no exception but I think the time is right to look at how we can do more to assist local pubs.”

Neil Turner MP said, “The industry needs a breathing space to maintain its place in Britain’s social and economic life."

“Our pubs are a national treasure and are envied around the world. Pubs are part and parcel of our way of life. The current global financial crisis brings with it an even greater urgency for action so I am pleased to sign up and back the campaign here in Wigan.”

Groups behind the campaign said tax already made up a third of the price of a British pint, with beer sales already at their lowest levels in almost 40 years and pubs closing at the rate of five a day. They claim that by 2012 beer tax will rise by a further 40%, at least 7,500 more pubs will close and 40,000 jobs will be lost.

Landlord of The Anvil Ian Thorpe said, “Pubs play a vital role in communities up and down the country and are an essential part of promoting a more responsible drinking culture. Yet recent changes can only force more and more people out of pubs and more and more pubs out of business so as a local publican I am pleased that both Ian & Neil are backing the campaign.”

Ian is pictured with Neil Turner MP and Ian Thorpe.

For more information downlaod the manifesto from the publications section of Ian's website.