Difference between revisions of "All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group"

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The aim of this group is said to be: "to promote the wholesomeness and enjoyment of beer and the unique role of the pub in UK society; to increase understanding of the social, cultural and historic role of brewing and pubs in the UK, and their value to tourism; to broaden recognition of the contribution of brewing and pubs to employment and to the UK economy; to promote understanding of the social responsibility exercised by the brewing and pub industries; to support the UK's brewing industry worldwide, and to promote a positive future for beer and the pub"
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{{Template:alcohol badge}}
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The [[All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group]], formed as the [[Parliamentary Beer Club]] in 1993, promotes understanding among Parliamentarians of the UK's beer and pubs industries. Over 300 MPS and Peers of all parties are members. Around 60 UK MEPs are honorary members. The Group is supported by 50 individual brewing and licensed retailing companies, as affiliated corporate members. An officially registered all-party parliamentary group, it is the largest industry group at Westminster.<ref>House of Commons Publications [http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199900/cmselect/cmtreasy/953/953ap16.htm Memorandum from the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group to the Select Committee on Treasury] Last accessed December 3rd 2007 </ref> 
  
 +
==Aims==
 +
The aim of this group is: "to promote the wholesomeness and enjoyment of beer and the unique role of the pub in UK society; to increase understanding of the social, cultural and historic role of brewing and pubs in the UK, and their value to tourism; to broaden recognition of the contribution of brewing and pubs to employment and to the UK economy; to promote understanding of the social responsibility exercised by the brewing and pub industries; to support the UK's brewing industry worldwide, and to promote a positive future for beer and the pub" <ref> The Stationary Office [http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm/cmparty/memi140.htm House of Commons Register of All-party Groups] Accessed April 2007 </ref>
  
== MP Officers  ==
+
==Supporting the drinks industry against the supermarkets==
[[John Grogan]] Labour
 
[[Nigel Evans]] Conservative
 
[[Jane Griffiths]] Labour
 
[[Nigel Jones]] Liberal Democrats
 
[[Nick Hawkins]] Conservative
 
[[Bill Olner]] Labour
 
  
 +
The leader of the group, MP [[John Grogan]], joined [[S&N]] and [[CAMRA]] in condemning supermarkets for using beer as a loss leader in order to lure customers into their stores.    Supermarkets are criticised for selling alcohol so cheaply that other shops simply can't compete.  Campaigners, including the drinks industry and MPs, have branded the pricing structure irresponsible.  CAMRA are concerned that the supermarkets are contributing to the waning popularity of British beer in a letter to the [[Competition Commission]].  They are also urging individuals to lobby their MP to sign Early Day Motion 495 tabled by John Grogan.<ref>[http://www.camra.org.uk/page.aspx?o=228872 Action Needed as Supermarkets Sell Lager for Just Pennies More than Water], CAMRA, 8 Jan 07, accessed 23 Mar 2010</ref>
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{{Template:Lobbying Portal badge}}
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Early Day Motion 495 (tabled on January 2, 2007) was drafted by The Publican newspaper and states: “That this House believes that the substantial price differential between alcohol sold in pubs and that sold in the off-trade is exacerbating the problem of binge drinking; continues to support the pub trade's efforts to curb irresponsible drinking and promotions; and urges supermarkets and off-licences to follow the example of pubs and act to end irresponsible drinks promotions and agree not to use alcohol as a loss leader on their premises.” A total of 194 MPs signed.<ref>[http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=32144 EDM 495 PRICE OF ALCOHOL IN SUPERMARKETS AND OFF-LICENCES 13.12.2006], Early Day Motions, UK Parliament website, accessed 23 March 2010</ref>
 +
 
 +
A survey by CAMRA revealed that in some supermarkets Fosters and Carling was available for the equivalent of just 54p a pint - or 16p before tax. CAMRA, members of parliament, trade press and pub industry chiefs are calling for urgent action to prevent promotions that serve to exacerbate the problem of binge drinking.<ref>CAMRA Web Site 8/01/07 [http://www.camra.org.uk/page.aspx?o=228872 Action Needed as Supermarkets Sell Lager for Just Pennies More than Water] Accessed April 2007 </ref> <ref> Beer Today 07/01/01 [http://www.beertoday.co.uk/news090107c.htm  Supermarket lager 'cheaper than water'] Last accessed April 2007</ref>
  
== BENEFITS RECEIVED BY GROUP FROM SOURCES OUTSIDE PARLIAMENT ==
+
In a memorandum from the Beer Group to the Treasury select committee the following positions were taken by the group (October 2000):
   
+
*The group is not convinced that the legal drinking age needs to be as high as 18 years old in the UK, the government should research lowering the legal drinking age. Although they do conclude (as did the [[Home Office]]) that the main obstacle to lowering the age limit is that it may be "politically difficult".
£4,100 each from, [[Interbrew]] UK, [[Pubmaster]] Group Ltd, [[Punch Taverns]] Group plc, [[Scottish & Newcastle]] plc, [[Enterprise Inns]] plc, [[Unique Pub Co]] Ltd, and [[Coors]] Brewers. £2,562 each from [[Anheuser-Busch]] Ltd, [[Carlsberg Tetley]], and the [[Laurel Pub]] Co. £1,537 each from the [[Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries]] and [[Greene King]] plc. £512 each from S A Brain, Hardys and Hansons, [[InnSpired Group]], [[Shepherd Neame]], [[Whitbread]] plc, [[Wadworths]], [[Charles Wells]] Ltd, [[Daniel Thwaites]] plc, and [[Youngs]]. At the group's annual dinner on 9 July 2003 hospitality was provided by: [[Anheuser-Busch]], [[Caledonian Brewery]], [[Carlsberg-Tetley]], [[Coors]] Brewers, [[Enterprise Inns]], [[Northern Clubs' Federation Brewery]], [[Greene King]] plc, [[Harvey & Sons]], [[InnSpired Group]], [[Interbrew]] UK, The [[Laurel Pub]] Co, [[Mitchells & Butlers]], [[Pubmaster Group]] Ltd, [[Regent Inns]], [[Scottish & Newcastle]] plc, [[Shepherd Neame]], [[Unique Pub]] Co, [[Wolverhampton & Dudley]] Breweries, [[Youngs]], [[Hook Norton]] Brewery, [[Fuller]], [[Smith & Turner]], [[Whitbread]] plc, Cobra Beers Ltd, St Austell Brewery, Charles Wells Ltd, S A Brain, The Punch Pub Co, [[Jennings Brothers]] plc, [[Adnams]] plc, [[Refresh]] UK plc, [[Diageo]] plc, [[Timothy Taylor]] & Co Ltd (all the above registered July 2003). £4,100 each from [[Mitchells & Butlers]], [[Diageo]] plc. £1537.50 from The [[Spirit Group]]. £512.50 each from [[Fuller, Smith & Turner]], [[Hall & Woodhouse]], Northern Clubs' Federation Brewery (registered October 2003). £1,281 from [[SAB Miller]] plc (registered December 2003).
+
*Smuggling could be eliminated by cutting the tax duty paid on alcohol.  A clamp down on smuggling would also free up police and customs officers to focus on more important tasks and end the social problems associated with smuggling for example sales to children.
 +
*Increasing beer duty would reduce consumption which would mean less tax would be generated, unemployment would rise and benefit payments would increase.<ref>House of Commons Publications [http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199900/cmselect/cmtreasy/953/953ap16.htm Memorandum from the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group to the Select Committee on Treasury] Last accessed December 3rd 2007</ref>
 +
 
 +
==MPs Behind the Bar ==
 +
[[Image:Lincoln-MP-gets-behind-the-bar_dnm_large.jpg|right|thumb|Lincoln MP with Bar Staff<ref> Morning Advertiser 15th September 2011 [http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/General-News/Lincoln-MP-gets-behind-the-bar Lincoln MP gets behind bar] accessed 15th September 2011 </ref>]]
 +
The current chairman of the group [[Andrew Griffiths]] has persuaded MPs to work as bartenders for a shift in order to promote understanding of the issues the on trade currently faces.  [[Karl McCartney]] MP for Lincoln is pictured with staff from The Cloud bar in Lincoln after completing his "shift". McCartney said: “Working the shift gave me the opportunity to talk to Michael Kheng, owner of the Cloud Bar, and his staff and customers about their concerns for the future of the industry. It is clear that tackling unnecessary and burdensome red tape, or bureaucracy, must be a priority for the Government. The Great British pub is at the heart of communities and, as MP for Lincoln, I will do my best to ensure it remains the case in our city and surrounding areas.”  <ref> Morning Advertiser 15th September 2011 [http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/General-News/Lincoln-MP-gets-behind-the-bar Lincoln MP gets behind bar] accessed 15th September 2011 </ref> Community Pubs Minister [[Bob Neill]] is also reported to be taking part in the campaign <ref> The Morning Advertiser 12th August 2011 [http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/General-News/Pubs-minister-pledges-to-work-behind-bar Pubs minister pledges to work behind bar] accessed 15th September 2011 </ref> [[Sheryll Murray]] MP, who represents South East Cornwall and vice-chairman of the [[All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group]] [[Nigel Adams]] MP also took part. <ref> The Morning Advertiser 8th September 2011 [http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/General-News/MPs-pledge-to-work-bar-shifts MPs pledge to work bar shifts] accessed 15th September 2011 </ref>
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 +
== People ==
 +
===MP Officers===
 +
====February - April 2016====
 +
*Chair: [[Andrew Griffiths]] - [[Conservative Party]]
 +
*President: [[Nigel Evans]] - [[Conservative Party]]
 +
*Vice-chair: [[Graham Evans]] - [[Conservative Party]]
 +
*Vice-chair: [[Grahame Morris]] - [[Labour]]
 +
*Vice-chair: [[Pete Wishart]] - [[Scottish National Party]]
 +
*Vice-chair: [[John Pugh]] - [[Liberal Democrats]]
 +
*Vice-chair: [[Jonathan Edwards]] - [[Plaid Cymru]]
 +
*Vice-chair: Lord [[Christopher Holmes]] of Richmond - [[Conservative Party]]
 +
*Vice-chair: Lord [[Roy Kennedy]] of Southwark - [[Labour]]
 +
*Vice-chair: Lord [[Nigel Jones]] of Cheltenham - [[Liberal Democrats]]
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*Vice-chair: Lord [[Navnit Dholakia]] - [[Liberal Democrats]] <ref>[http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmallparty/160203/beer.htm Beer APPG Register Feb 16], ''www.parliament.uk'', accessed 18 February 2016</ref><ref>[http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmallparty/160428/beer.htm Beer APPG, Register 28 April 2016], ''parliament.uk'', accessed 11 May 2016</ref>
 +
 
 +
====2015====
 +
*[[Andrew Griffiths]], Conservatives | [[Nigel Adams]], Conservatives | [[Graham Evans]], Conservatives | [[Thomas Docherty]], Labour | [[Charlotte Leslie]], Conservatives | [[Lord Kennedy of Southwark]], Labour | [[Clive Efford]], Labour | Sir [[Tony Cunningham]], Labour | Sir [[Nick Harvey]], Liberal Democrats <ref> [http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmallparty/register/beer.htm Register Of All-Party Groups (as at 30 March 2015)] ''www.parliament.uk'', accessed 7 April 2015 </ref>
 +
 
 +
==== 2010 ====
 +
*Chair: [[John Grogan]], Labour| Vice-Chairs: [[Nigel Evans]], Conservatives | [[Nick Harvey]], Liberal Democrats | [[Ann Keen]], Labour Party | [[Janet Dean]], Labour Party | [[Dan Rogerson]], Liberal Democrats | Joint Treasurers: [[Bill Olner]], Labour Party and [[Laurence Robertson]], Conservatives
 +
==== 2007 ====
 +
*[[John Grogan]] Labour | [[Nigel Evans]] Conservative | [[Jane Griffiths]] Labour | [[Nigel Jones]] Liberal Democrats | [[Nick Hawkins]] Conservative | [[Bill Olner]] Labour
 +
 
 +
== Benefits received from groups outside Parliament ==
 +
 
 +
====Compiled in 2016 from the Register of All-Party Groups, UK Parliament====
 +
 
 +
*£5,610 from [[Greene Kind Brewing and Retailing Limited]]
 +
*£5,000 from [[SIBA]]
 +
*[[AB INBEV UK Limited]]<ref name="February">[http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmallparty/160203/beer.htm Beer APPG Register Feb 16], ''www.parliament.uk'', accessed 18 February 2016</ref>
 +
 
 +
====Compiled in 2015 from the Register of All-Party Groups, UK Parliament====
 +
 
 +
*£5,500 from [[Punch Taverns]]
 +
*£2,700 from [[Stonegate Pub Taverns]]
 +
*£5,610 from [[SAB Miller]]
 +
*£5,610 from [[Carlsberg UK Ltd]]
 +
*£5,755 from [[Heineken UK Ltd]]
 +
*£5,610 from [[Marston's PLC]]
 +
*£5,610 from [[Diageo Great Britain Ltd]]
 +
*£5,610 from [[Molson Coors Brewing Company UK Ltd]]<ref name="November">[http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmallparty/151113/beer.htm Beer APPG],''www.parliament.uk'', accessed 26 November 2015</ref>
 +
 
 +
====Compiled in 2010 from the Register of All-Party Groups, UK Parliament====
 +
 
 +
*£4800 from [[Molson Coors Brewing]] Company
 +
*£4800 from [[Punch Taverns]]
 +
*£2960 from [[SABMiller]] plc
 +
*£1787 from [[Admiral Taverns]] Ltd
 +
*£4800 from [[Greene King]] plc (registered July 2009)
 +
*£4800 each from [[Enterprise Inns]] and [[Mitchells & Butlers]] (registered August 2009)
 +
*£4600 each from [[Carlsberg]] UK and [[Marstons]] (registered September 2009)
 +
*£4800 from [[Scottish & Newcastle]] UK Ltd
 +
*£4800 from InBev UK and £2960 from [[A-B UK ]](registered October 2009) <ref>All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, "[http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmallparty/register/memi184.htm House of Commons Register for the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group]", May 2009, accessed on 13 April 2010:</ref>
 +
 
 +
====Compiled in 2007 from the Register of All-Party Groups, UK Parliament====
 +
 
 +
*£4,100 each from, [[Interbrew]] UK, [[Pubmaster]] Group Ltd, [[Punch Taverns]] Group plc, [[Scottish & Newcastle]] plc, [[Enterprise Inns]] plc, [[Unique Pub Co]] Ltd, and [[Coors]] Brewers.  
 +
*£2,562 each from [[Anheuser-Busch]] Ltd, [[Carlsberg Tetley]], and the [[Laurel Pub]] Co.  
 +
*£1,537 each from the [[Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries]] and [[Greene King]] plc.  
 +
*£512 each from S A Brain, Hardys and Hansons, [[InnSpired Group]], [[Shepherd Neame]], [[Whitbread]] plc, [[Wadworths]], [[Charles Wells]] Ltd, [[Daniel Thwaites]] plc, and [[Youngs]].  
 +
*At the group's annual dinner on 9 July 2003 hospitality was provided by: [[Anheuser-Busch]], [[Caledonian Brewery]], [[Carlsberg-Tetley]], [[Coors]] Brewers, [[Enterprise Inns]], [[Northern Clubs' Federation Brewery]], [[Greene King]] plc, [[Harvey & Sons]], [[InnSpired Group]], [[Interbrew]] UK, The [[Laurel Pub]] Co, [[Mitchells & Butlers]], [[Pubmaster Group]] Ltd, [[Regent Inns]], [[Scottish & Newcastle]] plc, [[Shepherd Neame]], [[Unique Pub]] Co, [[Wolverhampton & Dudley]] Breweries, [[Youngs]], [[Hook Norton]] Brewery, [[Fuller]], [[Smith & Turner]], [[Whitbread]] plc, Cobra Beers Ltd, St Austell Brewery, Charles Wells Ltd, S A Brain, The Punch Pub Co, [[Jennings Brothers]] plc, [[Adnams]] plc, [[Refresh]] UK plc, [[Diageo]] plc, [[Timothy Taylor]] & Co Ltd (all the above registered July 2003).  
 +
*£4,100 each from [[Mitchells & Butlers]] and [[Diageo]] plc.  
 +
*£1537.50 from The [[Spirit Group]]  
 +
*£512.50 each from [[Fuller, Smith & Turner]], [[Hall & Woodhouse]], [[Northern Clubs' Federation Brewery]] (registered October 2003).  
 +
*£1,281 from [[SAB Miller]] plc (registered December 2003).
 +
 
 +
==References==
 +
<references/>
 +
[[Category:Alcohol|Beer Group]][[Category:Alcohol Policy Groups|Beer Group]][[Category:All-Party Parliamentary Group|Beer Group]]

Latest revision as of 16:22, 11 May 2016

Alcohol badge.jpg This article is part of the Spinwatch public health oriented Alcohol Portal project.

The All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, formed as the Parliamentary Beer Club in 1993, promotes understanding among Parliamentarians of the UK's beer and pubs industries. Over 300 MPS and Peers of all parties are members. Around 60 UK MEPs are honorary members. The Group is supported by 50 individual brewing and licensed retailing companies, as affiliated corporate members. An officially registered all-party parliamentary group, it is the largest industry group at Westminster.[1]

Aims

The aim of this group is: "to promote the wholesomeness and enjoyment of beer and the unique role of the pub in UK society; to increase understanding of the social, cultural and historic role of brewing and pubs in the UK, and their value to tourism; to broaden recognition of the contribution of brewing and pubs to employment and to the UK economy; to promote understanding of the social responsibility exercised by the brewing and pub industries; to support the UK's brewing industry worldwide, and to promote a positive future for beer and the pub" [2]

Supporting the drinks industry against the supermarkets

The leader of the group, MP John Grogan, joined S&N and CAMRA in condemning supermarkets for using beer as a loss leader in order to lure customers into their stores. Supermarkets are criticised for selling alcohol so cheaply that other shops simply can't compete. Campaigners, including the drinks industry and MPs, have branded the pricing structure irresponsible. CAMRA are concerned that the supermarkets are contributing to the waning popularity of British beer in a letter to the Competition Commission. They are also urging individuals to lobby their MP to sign Early Day Motion 495 tabled by John Grogan.[3]

Twenty-pound-notes.jpg This article is part of the Lobbying Portal, a sunlight project from Spinwatch.

Early Day Motion 495 (tabled on January 2, 2007) was drafted by The Publican newspaper and states: “That this House believes that the substantial price differential between alcohol sold in pubs and that sold in the off-trade is exacerbating the problem of binge drinking; continues to support the pub trade's efforts to curb irresponsible drinking and promotions; and urges supermarkets and off-licences to follow the example of pubs and act to end irresponsible drinks promotions and agree not to use alcohol as a loss leader on their premises.” A total of 194 MPs signed.[4]

A survey by CAMRA revealed that in some supermarkets Fosters and Carling was available for the equivalent of just 54p a pint - or 16p before tax. CAMRA, members of parliament, trade press and pub industry chiefs are calling for urgent action to prevent promotions that serve to exacerbate the problem of binge drinking.[5] [6]

In a memorandum from the Beer Group to the Treasury select committee the following positions were taken by the group (October 2000):

  • The group is not convinced that the legal drinking age needs to be as high as 18 years old in the UK, the government should research lowering the legal drinking age. Although they do conclude (as did the Home Office) that the main obstacle to lowering the age limit is that it may be "politically difficult".
  • Smuggling could be eliminated by cutting the tax duty paid on alcohol. A clamp down on smuggling would also free up police and customs officers to focus on more important tasks and end the social problems associated with smuggling for example sales to children.
  • Increasing beer duty would reduce consumption which would mean less tax would be generated, unemployment would rise and benefit payments would increase.[7]

MPs Behind the Bar

Lincoln MP with Bar Staff[8]

The current chairman of the group Andrew Griffiths has persuaded MPs to work as bartenders for a shift in order to promote understanding of the issues the on trade currently faces. Karl McCartney MP for Lincoln is pictured with staff from The Cloud bar in Lincoln after completing his "shift". McCartney said: “Working the shift gave me the opportunity to talk to Michael Kheng, owner of the Cloud Bar, and his staff and customers about their concerns for the future of the industry. It is clear that tackling unnecessary and burdensome red tape, or bureaucracy, must be a priority for the Government. The Great British pub is at the heart of communities and, as MP for Lincoln, I will do my best to ensure it remains the case in our city and surrounding areas.” [9] Community Pubs Minister Bob Neill is also reported to be taking part in the campaign [10] Sheryll Murray MP, who represents South East Cornwall and vice-chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group Nigel Adams MP also took part. [11]

People

MP Officers

February - April 2016

2015

2010

2007

Benefits received from groups outside Parliament

Compiled in 2016 from the Register of All-Party Groups, UK Parliament

Compiled in 2015 from the Register of All-Party Groups, UK Parliament

Compiled in 2010 from the Register of All-Party Groups, UK Parliament

Compiled in 2007 from the Register of All-Party Groups, UK Parliament

References

  1. House of Commons Publications Memorandum from the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group to the Select Committee on Treasury Last accessed December 3rd 2007
  2. The Stationary Office House of Commons Register of All-party Groups Accessed April 2007
  3. Action Needed as Supermarkets Sell Lager for Just Pennies More than Water, CAMRA, 8 Jan 07, accessed 23 Mar 2010
  4. EDM 495 PRICE OF ALCOHOL IN SUPERMARKETS AND OFF-LICENCES 13.12.2006, Early Day Motions, UK Parliament website, accessed 23 March 2010
  5. CAMRA Web Site 8/01/07 Action Needed as Supermarkets Sell Lager for Just Pennies More than Water Accessed April 2007
  6. Beer Today 07/01/01 Supermarket lager 'cheaper than water' Last accessed April 2007
  7. House of Commons Publications Memorandum from the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group to the Select Committee on Treasury Last accessed December 3rd 2007
  8. Morning Advertiser 15th September 2011 Lincoln MP gets behind bar accessed 15th September 2011
  9. Morning Advertiser 15th September 2011 Lincoln MP gets behind bar accessed 15th September 2011
  10. The Morning Advertiser 12th August 2011 Pubs minister pledges to work behind bar accessed 15th September 2011
  11. The Morning Advertiser 8th September 2011 MPs pledge to work bar shifts accessed 15th September 2011
  12. Beer APPG Register Feb 16, www.parliament.uk, accessed 18 February 2016
  13. Beer APPG, Register 28 April 2016, parliament.uk, accessed 11 May 2016
  14. Register Of All-Party Groups (as at 30 March 2015) www.parliament.uk, accessed 7 April 2015
  15. Beer APPG Register Feb 16, www.parliament.uk, accessed 18 February 2016
  16. Beer APPG,www.parliament.uk, accessed 26 November 2015
  17. All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, "House of Commons Register for the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group", May 2009, accessed on 13 April 2010: