Oldham’s pub trade is ailing

ELECTION 2010

Thirty pubs across Oldham have shut their doors since 1997, figures have shown.

The Conservative who published the figures claim Labour’s “beer duty escalator” which pushes up alcohol taxation by above inflation every year will spell the end for many more pubs if they are re-elected.

According to the official figures given to the Tory party by government, there were 310 pubs in Oldham in 1997, and there are currently 280.

Shadow Minister for Local Government, Bob Neill said: “Under Labour there has been a surge in alcohol-fuelled violence in our high streets, while local community pubs have gone to the wall.”

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