All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group

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


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" [2]


Recently the leader of the group MP John Grogan joined S&N and CAMRA in condeming 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. 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.” 41 MPs have so far signed.

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 [3] [4]


MP Officers

BENEFITS RECEIVED BY GROUP FROM SOURCES OUTSIDE PARLIAMENT

References

  1. ↑ House of Commons Publications Memorandum from the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group to the Select Committee on Treasury Last accesed December 3rd 2007
  2. ↑ The Stationary Office House of Commons Register of All-party Groups Accessed April 2007
  3. ↑ CAMRA Web Site 8/01/07 Action Needed as Supermarkets Sell Lager for Just Pennies More than Water Accessed April 2007
  4. ↑ Beer Today 07/01/01 Supermarket lager 'cheaper than water' Last accessed April 2007
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