I am delighted to support the ‘Long Live The Local’ campaign to reduce beer duty tax.

Pubs play a vital cultural, community, and economic role – creating nearly 900,000 jobs and contributing £23bn to the economy. Despite these tremendous benefits, they operate under an enormous tax burden that is 12 times higher than in Germany and Spain.

We’re lucky to have some brilliant local pubs and bars across St Helens borough from places with live music, great food and real ale to quizzes, darts, charitable and community-focused activities and so much more. We need to support these community assets to survive and thrive, not hamper them with financial pressures.

During the campaign last year almost 200 people in St Helens North showed their support by signing the petition. This year the campaign hopes to have even greater impact and deliver a cut in beer duty.

So to sign the petition and show your support go to https://www.longlivethelocal.pub/