A BOLTON MP has backed calls for the Chancellor to cut beer duty and business rates for pubs in his March budget.

UK beer drinkers pay among the highest beer duty in Europe at 52p per pint, far more than the likes of Germany and Spain which pay under 5p per pint.

Beer duty was frozen in the 2016 budget, and cut in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Yasmin Qureshi, MP for Bolton South East, said: “We are calling on the government to take action to safeguard this vital industry.

“They need to take measures that will bring customers back to the warm embrace of a good pub, and away from buying cheap booze from corner shops. This is leading to problem drinking and anti-social behaviour, without the watchful eye of a landlord or bartender.

“Pubs not only provide a safe and supervised space for drinkers, but they also serve as hubs of the community and places where people can unwind after a hard day’s work.”