Mel Stride MP has visited the Ring of Bells in North Bovey to discuss the challenges facing the pub industry with landlord Richard Edlmann. The MP has been a long-standing campaigner for rural pubs, receiving a ‘Beer Champion’ award from the British Beer and Pub Association, Campaign for Real Ale and the Society of Independent Brewers in 2015 for his successful campaigning in parliament against rises in beer duty.
Mel said:
“The Government has provided substantial support to our hospitality sector including tax breaks, grants, access to finance and initiatives such as the Eat Out to Help Out scheme. But communities have an important role to play as well. We must support our pubs now to ensure they continue to thrive.”
Richard added:
“It has been an incredibly tough few months for the pub industry and it is great that Mel is helping us get the message across that landlords are going above and beyond to make sure pubs are as safe as possible with excellent social distancing and safety precautions in place. Many pubs, like us here at the Ring of Bells, have tables outside so those who want to be extra cautious don’t even need to go inside.”
For more information about the Ring of Bells visit www.ringofbells.net.
