The MPs for Suffolk Coastal and Bridgend have each stepped behind the bar to engage with Enterprise Publicans in their constituencies.
Dr Therese Coffey, MP for Suffolk Coastal visited the Coach & Horses, Woodbridge before Christmas to learn more about the challenges that Publicans face.
Steve Lomas of Deben Inns – a multiple operator in the region – was delighted to have his local MP’s undivided attention on site at the Coach & Horses. “I didn’t know what to expect but it was very relaxed and she really listened,” Steve said.
Enterprise regional manager, Kirsty Pettitt said: “Dr Coffey is a supporter of local ales and knows her pubs. She is a member of CAMRA and was very keen to sit down, talk to Steve and understand how local businesses work.”
Mr Lomas added: “We talked about employment law, VAT, duty and the lack of minimum pricing in supermarkets. She appreciates the difficulties for pub businesses.”
Publican Kerry Thomas at the Riverside Tavern, Bridgend was also eager to talk to his local MP, Madeleine Moon. With the Riverside Tavern being next door to a supermarket, Mr Thomas highlighted the need for a level playing field and a decrease in VAT for the on-trade.
Mrs Moon said: “I was taken by the suggestion of lowering the VAT threshold for pub sales to cover the additional costs of door staff and entertainment licences while maintaining the higher level for alcohol sold in supermarkets and have raised the idea with the Treasury.”