Responsible Drinkers, Your Country Needs You
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As I walked to the station the other night I was heartened to spot the Evening Standard placards splashing licensing minister Gerry Sutcliffe's apparent criticism of alcohol tax rises in Alistair Darling's budget.
So imagine my disappointment to discover that by the time I got home and checked BBC News he had already climbed down, saying his comments to the Morning Advertiser did not reflect his views.
This begs the obvious question: whose views did they reflect? Perhaps it�'s just another manifestation of the 'lively debate' that has replaced any serious thought and decision-making in government.
Darling�'s thinking seems fairly transparent. I need revenue so I'll whack up booze and make out it's a serious attempt to attack binge-drinking. If anyone moans, we�'ll say the money raised will go to help the poorest members of society. In typically pusillanimous New Labour fashion, he lacked the bottle to introduce the sort of tax hikes required to change drinking habits. The 99p corner-shop can of 1664 is retailing for £1.05 post-budget, which is sufficient to irritate me, but is hardly likely to deter the irresponsible drinker.
David Cameron has certainly been quick to seize the opportunity to champion the cause of the responsible drinker. In an interview in The Publican last week he spoke of his fondness for real ale and issued a 'use it or lose it' rallying cry to those of us who want to save the Great British Local. Stirring stuff...and even if it springs from opportunism it doesn't really matter. After all, did anyone really believe that William Hague was downing 14 pints a day as a teenager?
What counts is that the Opposition have been able to outmanoeuvre the Chancellor with sensible proposals like selective alcohol taxes. Dave even proposes to cut duty on normal-strength beers, which is so sensible it brought a tear to my eye. Cameron also recognises the social value of the pub, which is commonsense conservatism at its best.
I used to worry that in retirement I wouldn't be able to afford a pint. Now I am more concerned that there will be nowhere left to enjoy one. The time has come to take action.
Today I am posting my CAMRA application form and I would urge all lovers of proper beer and proper pubs to join up.
Tell them Dave sent you.
This begs the obvious question: whose views did they reflect? Perhaps it�'s just another manifestation of the 'lively debate' that has replaced any serious thought and decision-making in government.
Darling�'s thinking seems fairly transparent. I need revenue so I'll whack up booze and make out it's a serious attempt to attack binge-drinking. If anyone moans, we�'ll say the money raised will go to help the poorest members of society. In typically pusillanimous New Labour fashion, he lacked the bottle to introduce the sort of tax hikes required to change drinking habits. The 99p corner-shop can of 1664 is retailing for £1.05 post-budget, which is sufficient to irritate me, but is hardly likely to deter the irresponsible drinker.
David Cameron has certainly been quick to seize the opportunity to champion the cause of the responsible drinker. In an interview in The Publican last week he spoke of his fondness for real ale and issued a 'use it or lose it' rallying cry to those of us who want to save the Great British Local. Stirring stuff...and even if it springs from opportunism it doesn't really matter. After all, did anyone really believe that William Hague was downing 14 pints a day as a teenager?
What counts is that the Opposition have been able to outmanoeuvre the Chancellor with sensible proposals like selective alcohol taxes. Dave even proposes to cut duty on normal-strength beers, which is so sensible it brought a tear to my eye. Cameron also recognises the social value of the pub, which is commonsense conservatism at its best.
I used to worry that in retirement I wouldn't be able to afford a pint. Now I am more concerned that there will be nowhere left to enjoy one. The time has come to take action.
Today I am posting my CAMRA application form and I would urge all lovers of proper beer and proper pubs to join up.
Tell them Dave sent you.
Here Is The Writer : John Kirk
John Kirk works at Precise Media where he monitors newswires and business internet sites. He previously worked in the wine trade and has lived in southwest London for 18 years. John grew up in Bristol and is in his fifth decade as a Bristol City fan. After a long and undistinguished career as a club cricketer he has recently taken up golf, reasoning that his lack of foot movement will be an asset. John is also interested in City churches and pubs.
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