North East Fife’s MP Sir Menzies Campbell dropped in at the Gateside Inn to help promote the third Proud of Pubs Week campaign and the public are being urged to join him as the fightback to keep the great British pub alive begins.
Sir Menzies was one of more than 100 MPs visiting pubs during the national celebration of pubs, organised by The Publican magazine, which runs from July 11 to 19.
Commenting on his visit to the Gateside Inn, Sir Menzies said:
“The Gateside Inn is an excellent example of a local pub which acts as a hub for the local community. However, pubs like most businesses across North East Fife are facing enormous challenges as a result of the credit crunch and require the support of the local community if they are to survive. In rural areas, the loss of the local pub can be irreversible and have a huge effect on the surrounding community.
“During these difficult economic times it is essential that pubs are offered as much help as possible to ensure their survival. Lowering beer duty would have made a small impact on the Chancellor’s coffers but could have made a significant impact on the number of people going to their local pub. By voting against the lowering of duty on beer the Government has made very clear its lack of concern for British pubs.â€
