Alcohol policy is at the top of the Government agenda, and our industry is facing a serious challenge, not least because of an unprecedented campaign from the anti-alcohol lobby.
falling. As far as beer is concerned, trading conditions are more difficult than they have been for decades, with consumption down dramatically. Beer sales in pubs are now at their lowest since the Great Depression.
We are challenging the anti- industry lobby over the flaws in their case. If high taxes reduce harm, for example, why does the UK, which has the second highest alcohol tax rates in Europe, have worse drinking behaviours and higher levels of binge drinking that low-tax countries?
through support for the Drinkaware Trust, and engaging with the Government in every aspect of its alcohol strategy.
But equally, we must not hesitate to tell the government and the anti-alcohol lobby when we think they are wrong.