West Dorset MP Chris Loder has welcomed recent announcements by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt that will benefit local pubs.

In his recent budget announcement, the Chancellor reported that alcohol duty on draught beer served in pubs wuld be frozen. Coupled with an increased alcohol duty in supermarkets, this means a pint of beer will be on average 11 pence cheaper in a pub than a supermarket.

Conservative MP Mr Loder said: "I met with the Chancellor two weeks before the budget and made clear that our hospitality sector especially here in West Dorset needs a fair crack of the whip when it comes to taxation.

"I want it to be easier for people to support their local pub rather than buying alcohol in supermarkets and these changes will finally afford our pubs the level playing field they need."

Many pubs and hospitality businesses have been feeling the pinch, diversifying or have closed down following the effects of the pandemic and cost of living crisis and some have argued that the government announcements do not go far enough to support the sector.

Mr Loder added: "Pubs are the heart and soul of communities, employing hundreds of local people in West Dorset and the first rung on the career ladder for many hundreds more young people in West Dorset alone. 

"I fully welcome this move to further boost our hospitality sector."