St Austell Brewery employees and customers will be able to do their homework before they vote on Thursday, thanks to a virtual “hustings” by managing director James Staughton. 

In a bid to inform employees and publicans in the run up to the election, Mr Staughton challenged prospective MPs in Devon and Cornwall to back the South West’s pubs. 

He wrote to all candidates quizzing them on their support for local pubs, and whether they’ve signed up to the ‘I’m Backing the Pub’ pledge. 

Replies have been posted on the brewery’s website www.staustellbrewery.co.uk and Mr Staughton has written to all employees, tenants, suppliers and licensees. 

St Austell Brewery is one of the oldest businesses in Cornwall, with 1,000 direct employees and at least 2,000 others whose jobs depend on the brewery. 

Mr Staughton said: “We’re delighted to have taken this opportunity to keep our employees and customers informed. It’s vital they are aware of their potential MP’s views on the industry before they use their vote on Thursday. 

“We’d like to thank all candidates who have responded.” 

The letter asked: 

• The British Beer and Pub Association have written to all candidates asking them to sign up to the ‘I’m Backing the Pub pledge’. Have you signed up to this campaign? If not, why?
• Since 1997, the Government has put up tax on a pint of beer by 60%.  In the last two years alone, during the recession, it has gone up 26%, which has cost hard pressed beer and pub sector an extra £171 million in tax.  Do you think such increases are justified? What would you do about beer tax?
• Do you think pubs in your area make a valuable contribution to the local economy?
• Do you agree that pubs can be promoted as places for responsible, social drinking and what measures will you take if elected to ensure pubs are protected? 

To find out their responses visit www.staustellbrewery.co.uk/company/hustings.html