Pubs are answer to binge-drinking problems, says CAMRA

The Great British Beer Festival (GBBF) was set to get underway today with the cloud of rising beer prices hanging over the industry.

Scores of Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) members were due to start the day wearing Alistair Darling masks and protesting about swingeing duty rises.

Figures released by CAMRA today indicate the price of a pint of real ale has jumped 12p since the Budget. Meanwhile the price of lager has gone up by 14p per pint.

The consumer group fears rising costs and duty could see the price of a pint exceed £5 by the 2012 London Olympics.

The research by CAMRA also reveals that 62 per cent of pub-goers blame the government for high beer prices while a further 69 per cent said community pubs are the best place to enjoy alcohol.

CAMRA chief executive Mike Benner said: "This year's devastating increase in beer tax has forced publicans to increase prices and pub-goers are right to lay the blame at the door of the government.

"High beer taxes threaten to prevent many low and moderate earners enjoying a regular pint at their local pub.

"We desperately urge the Chancellor to think again before he goes down in history as the Chancellor who closed thousands of community pubs; damaged community life and prevented many millions of pub-goers from enjoying a regular trip to the pub."

He added: "The Chancellor has failed to recognise that well-run community pubs are the solution to Britain's binge drinking problems.

"Ever increasing beer tax will do nothing to stop binge-drinking, as it will simply lead to a continuing shift in consumption away from well-run community pubs to drinking at home, on the streets and in public parks."

The Alistair Darling protest was due to take place before the festival opened at London's Earls Court today.

Over the next five days 65,000 visitors, including 5,000 licensees are expected to visit GBBF.