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IFBB issues its own 'manifesto'
The Independent Family Brewers of Britain (IFBB) has issued its own four point 'election manifesto' and challenged all the politcal parties contesting the election to respond to its calls for help for what it sees as 'Britain's hard-pressed brewing and pub-retailing business'. Stuart Neame, vice chair, says that in the last 100 years, the number of breweries in the UK has reduced from 6,400 to 84 and pubs are closing at the rate of six per week: Unless the next government takes note of our pleas then we are in real danger of losing our heritage of British owned and brewed beers and the world-famous British pub. The IFBB's 'manifesto' pleads for a reduction on tax on beer by 8p per pint; the retention of licensing within the hands of the magistrates; the reduction of the amount of 'red tape' and help for cask ale.