Every Vote Counts!

With the election just over a week away, licensees responding to The Publican's 'Pub Politics' survey have revealed the issues they want politicians to tackle.

Publicans are reverting to type with 46 per cent saying they will vote Tory.

Respondents were given seven issues to vote on what they think should be the priorities for any future government. Scrapping the alcohol duty escalator received the most votes (143), closely followed by tighter controls on off-trade pricing (141).

Change to the beer tie received 97 votes overall, with 58 respondents naming it as their top priority. Sneaking in at fourth place was 'repeal the blanket smoking ban', followed by calls for a reduction in red tape.

When asked 'Just one thing' here's some of the replies...

'Address the issues caused by supermarkets selling cheap booze'

'Raise the age limit in off-licences to 21, keep the on-trade at 18'

'Allow indoor smoking areas at the licensee's discretion'

'Reduce duty on draught products, anything that would give the pub a slight advantage over supermarkets'

'Legislate against the unfair pubco tie'

May 6 2010 is your day to get counted- don't forget to vote!