CAMRA have started a petition on the Number 10 website, at <http://
petitions.number10.gov.uk/support-the-pub/>.

It reads thusly:

"We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to reject proposals
from the
British Medical Association to vastly increase taxes on alcohol and
restrict
pub opening hours; and to protect the interests of the responsible,
sensible
majority of moderate drinkers."

The supporting information is this:

"The British Medical Association’s (BMA) recent Under the Influence
Report proposes a draconian clampdown on pubs and alcohol. As a
consumer organisation CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, is appalled
that the BMA are seeking changes that will harm all responsible
drinkers and pub goers rather than focusing on targeted measures to
address the behaviour of the small minority who abuse alcohol.

"BMA proposals to increase duty on alcohol above inflation in addition
to a new alcohol levy would significantly increase pub prices and
price many of us out of going to the pub on a regular basis. Many
thousands of well-run community pubs could be forced to close as a
result of these two ideas alone, on top of the growing pressures that
community pubs already face. The BMA however wish to go further in
their campaign against responsible drinkers and strictly control pub
opening hours, which could mean a return to a uniform 11pm, or
earlier, closing time."

I merely draw it to the NG's attention.
--
Pat Ricroft, City of Salford, UK
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