SALISBURY MP John Glen got behind the bar to raise awareness of a campaign to save pubs.

On September 10, in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the pint, Mr Glen joined other parliamentarians to raise a glass to the great British tipple.

It came after the Long Live the Local campaign revealed more than 210,000 people have pledged their support to their local pub as pressure grows for the government to take action.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of the social and economic value of pubs and breweries across the UK.

Backed by the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) – whose members brew 90% of the UK’s beer and own more than 20,000 pubs – the campaign is drawing attention to the challenges faced by the industry as the cost of doing business reaches an all-time high.

Ahead of next month’s Budget, Long Live the Local is calling for a cut in beer duty, business rates reform, and commitment from the government to keep the 75% business rates relief to ensure that pubs can survive.

It says almost a fifth (18%) of pubs have closed since Labour’s last budget announcement in 2010. The BBPA has enlisted the support of the British public to raise awareness of the economic realities faced by the industry.

Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “It’s incredible to see the British public support the industry and I’m so proud to be the spokesperson for all 212,106 of our supporters.

“Pubs provide an invaluable contribution to communities as centres of connection and camaraderie, yet our members have faced significant challenges in recent years amid economic uncertainty.

“Through beer duty cuts, business rates reform, and a commitment to the 75% business rates relief, we can continue to keep these social hubs at the heart of our communities and celebrate them – and the pint – for another 200 years.”

Salisbury MP John Glen behind the bar

Mr Glen was among MPs, ministers and industry leaders to raise a glass to the pub and brewery sector during Long Live the Local’s celebration of the 200th anniversary of the pint at the Albert pub in Westminster.

Tor Humpherston, BBPA member and publican of The Albert pub which hosted the event, said: ”We’re overwhelmed by the amount of support we’ve seen from the British public so far, recognising the true value of their local pub.

“It’s a real testament to our role within communities across the country, and it’s time for the government to listen to the challenges we’re facing as publicans and take real action to support us.

“For over 200 years the pint has been the cornerstone of British culture, and we want to make sure we have the means to continue this legacy for many more years to come.”