MP welcomes government plans to support local pubs

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron has welcomed government proposals to introduce a minimum price on alcohol, a move which will help local pubs fight under-pricing by the large supermarkets.

Tim has today stated his support of the recent government plans to set a base price on alcohol sold in supermarkets and bars, a policy that was a key part of Liberal Democrat manifesto.

The plans, which will mean that alcoholic drinks cannot be sold for less than the tax paid on them, will help community pubs who already charge above the minimum price, but face unfair competition from supermarkets charging extremely low prices and offering below cost-price deals for their alcoholic drinks.

Commenting, Tim said; "The plans for minimum pricing on alcohol will be a great help to the pubs who contribute so much to our local communities. In my recent survey of local businesses, I found many publicans were fighting a constant battle against supermarkets, who were undercutting their prices and encouraging people to drink at home, rather than in their establishments.

"Therefore, I welcome today's announcement by the government, as it will mean our local pubs are protected from the dominating supermarkets. These pubs are an asset to the community of South Lakeland so I welcome any plans that will reduce future hardship for publicans and help save our pubs."