Ashford Liberal Democrats give Backing to local Brewers

12.30.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 20th Apr 2010

Took commits to a local brew

Chris Took, Local Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate (PPC) for the Ashford constituency has today committed to:

• Promote the interests of Britain's pub goers

• Champion well-run community pubs

• Press for reform of beer tie to deliver a fair deal for consumers

• Support the role of well-run pubs as solutions to alcohol misuse

These commitments are based on a campaign being run by CAMRA, The Campaign for Real Ale which is asking all Prospective Parliamentary Candidates whether they are willing to speak up for Beer Drinkers and Pub Goers. CAMRA's new Beer Drinkers and Pub Goers Charter sets out a series of options for supporting well-run community pubs, local brewers and consumer rights.

Mike Benner, CAMRA's Chief Executive welcomed Chris Took's support for the Charter, saying:

"We are delighted that Chris Took has promised to work to promote the interests of beer drinkers and pub goers. Well-run pubs make a huge contribution to community life, each of which injects £80,000 into their local economy every year. Amid growing concern over the loss of more than 5 pubs a day, it is now more important than ever to support well-run community pubs, to promote local brewers and to protect the interests of consumers."

Speaking after signing up to CAMRA's Beer Drinkers and Pub Goers Charter, Chris Took said:

"I am proud to be speaking up for community pubs, local brewers and consumers. Well-run pubs are the bedrock of community life - they are part of the solution to the problem of alcohol misuse and not part of the problem. They deserve our support."

In a separate campaign, Chris has also pledged through the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) to celebrate (or commiserate) his election result with a local beer, rather than imported champagne.