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Llandeilo brewer Simon Buckley has given his reaction to a new survey which claims that publicans in Wales back the introduction of a minimum price per unit of alcohol.
Mr Buckley, chief executive of the Evan-Evans Brewery based in Llandeilo, gave his reaction to the Western Mail newspaper today, but his quotes were heavily edited.
Here is what he told the Western Mail -
Minimum pricing is only one of the key issues that need to be addressed.
Supermarkets are far cheaper than pubs.
But the demise of the pub is also due to the fact that pubs have not moved with the times.
They should have upped their game to match the demands of the consumer.
Most importantly, they should now listen to what the consumer wants.
We have, of course, done this at Evan-Evans and the pubs we run in Llandeilo, Brecon and Cardiff.
As a general point in Wales, many pubs are more professional than in the past.
But many still do not provide what the customer wants clean, well-run pubs, with high levels of service and the ability of people to get good well-cooked food with strong local provenance.
It is a fact that in todays economy there is a general lack of disposable income.
This means that the customer is far more discerning than in the past. They only buy what they want.
Minimum pricing will not stop binge drinkers.
People who are determined to drink too much will always find a source of cheaper alcohol.
We need less bureaucracy, not more.
I am afraid to say that we are going to see a lot more pubs close before this is all over.
Mr Buckley was reacting to a survey undertaken for the charity Alcohol Concern.
A total of 77% of Welsh publicans, when asked whether they were in favour of a minimum of 50p per unit, said that they supported the idea.
The survey was undertaken in February and March 2012, prior to the recent announcement that a minimum unit price for alcohol will be introduced in England and Wales.
The UK Government is proposing a minimum price of 40p per unit, whilst in Scotland 45p per unit is being debated. The survey results show that many publicans in Wales would back a higher price of 50p per unit.
Results from the research also indicate that a large number of pubs in Wales are struggling, with almost half (48%) of respondents saying their sales of alcohol have decreased during the last year, and 61% of these expecting them to continue to decline over the next 12 months.
Most lay the blame at the door of supermarkets, whose cheap drinks promotions they say are damaging trade; and many believe that the introduction of a minimum price would create a more level playing field between publicans and retailers:
94% think that cheap alcohol sold in supermarkets is responsible for stagnant or declining alcohol sales at their premises, with a majority (56%) citing this as the main reason
91% believe that it is hypocritical that supermarkets are allowed to promote cheap alcohol when pub landlords feel tightly controlled.
One landlord who took part in the survey said: People are coming out to the pubs already drunk. Its too cheap in the supermarkets.
Another said: Cheap supermarket alcohol is one of the reasons our trade is falling. It would be a good thing if their prices were brought more into line with pub prices.
Prices of alcohol products are so low in the supermarkets that 22% of publicans admitted they sometimes buy their stock from there instead of the cash and carry, with nearly a third (32%) of publicans from free houses (those not tied to a brewery) saying they have sourced their alcohol in this way.
Mark Leyshon, spokesperson for Alcohol Concern Cymru, said: This survey shows that a large majority of pub landlords in Wales support plans for a minimum price per unit. A minimum price would set a baseline price below which alcohol could not be sold. This would leave pub prices largely unaffected, but would stop supermarkets and off licenses selling very cheap alcohol.
Theres a big chance coming up to beat the Governments controversial decision to slap VAT on static caravans.
The South and West Wales Caravan and Motorhome Show 2012 will showcase some of the leading caravans.
And its a really big chance to get ahead of Chancellor of Exchequer George Osborne and his VAT plans, said show organiser and promoter Lois Gibbon, pictured above.
Its fair to say there has been a storm of controversy over the Chancellors plans, which were announced in the last Budget.
Caravan manufacturers are upset because they fear it will hit sales. Holiday park owners are worried it could also hit their tourism industry.
The big debate about VAT on caravans is still raging this week and there are plenty of lobby groups both inside and outside Parliament trying to get George Osborne to change his mind.
You cant help but feel that Mr Osborne has made his mind up, however.
In which case, this is the ideal time to get ahead of the game and invest in a static caravan which can deliver years of fun for families.
The South and West Wales Caravan and Motorhome Show 2012 is being staged at Carmarthens United Counties Showground from May 11 to 13.
It will showcase the very best in caravans and motorhomes, added Lois.
The Chancellors plan to hit static caravans with the standard 20 per cent rate of VAT will come into operation on October 1.
It could also have an effect on some larger touring caravans, to go along with the previously zero-rated static caravans.
A caravan that is designed and constructed for continuous year-round occupation will still be zero-rated, and exempt from the VAT, but all other static caravans will be taxed at the standard rate, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Touring caravans which are under seven metres long are already standard-rated, HMRC adds, but some of the larger models could be subject to standard taxing as well.
With a few months remaining until the new system is put into place, caravanners looking to buy a static caravan or large tourer should look to complete their purchase before October, so as not to pay the new higher rate of VAT.
HMRC estimates the new tax will impact around 50,000 individuals purchasing static caravans each year, a number that will of course increase if larger touring caravans are included as well. In total the government expects to make 45 million over the next five years from this tax.
The South and West Wales Caravan and Motorhome Show is celebrating its sixth year.
In terms of scale, its the biggest annual event at the showground and one which has appeal for all the family, said Lois Gibbon.
Visitors will get to see the latest in the caravan and motorhome industry, but there will plenty of other attractions, including a display of classic vehicles by the Towy Valley Vintage Club.
A major first this year will be the appearance of The Fly Heli Wales team, who will be offering breath-taking helicopter rides from the showground.
The South and West Wales Caravan and Motorhome Show 2012 runs between 10am and 5pm on May 11-13. Admission is 5 (concessions 4) with free parking. Four-night camping is also available priced at 30. For details contact Daffodil Events on 01570 470783.
Weblinks:
http://daffodilevents.co.uk/
http://daffodilevents.co.uk/caravan-motorhome-show/
Twitter: @daffodilevents
Facebook: Digwyddiadau Daffodil Events
The organisers of the Carmarthen Mayor's Fun Run races are appealing for competitors to get into the London Marathon spirit.
"We want this year's event to be fun, fun, fun," said race publicity officer Robert Lloyd.
"With that in mind, we are encouraging as many people as possible to wear fancy dress.
"A quick look at the TV pictures of the London marathon was enough to show how much fun people can have while raising valuable cash for charity.
"We want this year's event to be as colourful as possible. This is an Olympics year and we want to make the Carmarthen Mayor's Fun Run races as memorable as possible.
"Businesses are also being encouraged to add a splash of colour to this year's race by wearing corporate colours."
Runners of all ages, shapes and sizes are being encouraged to take part in the races next month.
The event, which has been held in the town over the past 30 years, will take place on Bank Holiday Monday, May 7.
"This is the 31st running of the races and we are hoping for a bumper turnout," said race organiser Noelwyn Daniel.
"We are asking local sporting teams, organisations, pubs and clubs to consider entering teams.
"There is a special 'relay' entry which allows the fun runners to complete one lap each of the three-lap main course route."
Mr Daniel added: "The beauty of the Carmarthen Mayor's Fun Run races is that they take place in the heart of the town centre, affording great opportunities for spectators to cheer on the runners."
Organisers are also working closely with the Sports Council for Wales to help promote a wheelchair athlete event.
The event has raised thousands of pounds for charity over the years with many local groups and organisations benefiting.
Schools are being contacted and visited by race organisers to encourage the pupils to sign up for the event.
There is the main 5k fun run and a series of junior races.
The junior races cater for school years two to 10.
The senior fun run has categories for males and females aged under 40 and 35, and veterans groups for older age groups.
Everyone who completes the course gets a medal.
Timetable -
10:00 Primary School Girls Years 1& 2
10:15 Primary School Boys Years 1 & 2
10:30 Primary School Girls Years 3 & 4
10:40 Primary School Boys Years 3 & 4
10:50 Primary School Girls Years 5 & 6
11:00 Primary School Boys Years 5 & 6
11:10 Secondary School Girls Years 7 & 8
11:20 Secondary School Boys Years 7 & 8
11:30 Secondary School Girls & Boys Years 9,10 & 11
11:40 MINI FUN RUN 6 years & Under (may be accompanied by an adult)
11:50 Wheelchair Athletes & Hand cyclists
12:00 Presentation of Trophies to all 1st, 2nd & 3rd in all categories. Medals to all who complete the course.
12:15 5km FUN RUN
Race website -
http://www.rasusymaer.org.uk/
The first Carmarthen Bay Film Festival kicks off next week with a special charity screening of the classic comedy film Grand Slam.
Macmillan Cancer Support will benefit from the event, which will be held at Parc y Scarlets on Tuesday May 1.
Special guests will include Glyn Lloyd Evans, Maldwyn Novello Pugh and Josephine also known as Dewi Pws Morris, Sion Probert and Elizabeth Morgan.
The evening will feature a question and answer session with the stars and will be held in The Quinnell Lounge, Parc y Scarlets.
Tickets are on sale, priced at 10, from Parc y Scarlets ticket office - call 0871 871 8088.
The charity screening will be a scene-setter; for the main festival, which will start on May 8, running through to the weekend of May 12-13.
Weblinks
http://www.carmarthenbayfilmfestival.co.uk
One of the best-known bakery firms in South Wales has appealed for support from the public against the so-called pasty tax.
The tax is unmanageable, unpalatable and unfair, said the Jenkins Bakerys operations director Russell Jenkins.
The Government is out of order in introducing VAT on some of the nations favourite and most affordable foods.
We know how popular our products are and many appeal to families who are already suffering severe budget restraints in these difficult economic times.
Our customers will feel the damage of this unwelcome tax in their pockets and that is bad news all around.
The Chancellor, George Osborne, has angered craft bakers across the country with his Budget plan to change the VAT rules on freshly baked, hot pies, pasties and other savouries.
Mr Jenkins said: It is anticipated that the VAT will increase by 20% the cost of some of the nations favourite and most affordable foods.
The move has angered craft bakers across the country who fear for the resulting loss of sales and the effects on their businesses.
The National Association of Master Bakers (NAMB) is mounting a campaign to ensure that this proposal is dropped from ministerial plans before it can become law in October.
We have until May 4 to make the Government see how this price increase will effect ordinary people and how unmanageable the implementation of the tax will be; concentrating as it does on the relative hotness of the product in comparison to the ambient temperature in the bakers shop!
The Association believe the proposal is ill conceived and poorly thought through, making it open to mis-interpretation. It will be confusing for both bakery staff and consumers who will see it as an unfair tax.
An online public petition has been set up on the following internet link
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/32044
The petition reads -
The Government has announced that the standard rate tax will be applied to all hot takeaway food, such as pasties and pies, as part of a drive to close loopholes in the VAT system.
British Baker (magazine) has joined forces with the National Association of Master Bakers (NAMB) to campaign against this draconian move.
We intend to strongly emphasise the lack of thought in this ruling and that this could very well see the demise of many more small bakers shops in the High Street due to loss of custom.
Customers visit their local bakers for pies and savoury product, as opposed to more expensive meats for their main meals, especially during the current economic climate.
A 20% increase will cause even more problems for the craft baker and their business.
Mike Holling, Chairman of NAMB, said that his association was working hard to demonstrate the strength of feeling in the industry.
Bakers are placing petitions and posters in their shops.
Mr Holling said: We have to get the message out to consumers that they will feel the effect of this tax, in their pocket!
The Jenkins Bakerys Commercial Director and Company Secretary, David Jenkins, will, on Thursday, join hundreds of other bakers in a protest march, which will start at Pudding Lane and finish at Downing Street.
Top five savouries across Jenkins Bakery shops
- Corned beef pasties (three sizes)
- Sausage rolls
- Traditional pasty
- Pizza
- Chicken and stuffing parcels
The company has the Gold Standard Welsh Food Hygiene Award and the Investors in People award.
The business employs 70 people at its Trostre HQ, while the Jenkins shop network stretches from Carmarthen to Bridgend. There are 13 shops in Carmarthenshire and even one as far afield as Powys.
The company celebrated its 90th anniversary last year.
Facts and figures . . .
Jenkins the Bakers produce 50,000 corned beef pasties a week.
The company serves 60,000 customers per week
7,500 custard slices are produced in a week.
The business uses 15 tons of flour a week
The flour silo at the Trostre HQ sees an 18-ton delivery every 10 days.
Carmarthen accountant Ann Thomas is counting down the days to a marathon international bike challenge.
Ann, senior consultant with Clay Shaw Butler chartered accountants and business consultants in Lammas Street, Carmarthen, has signed up for the Paris to Swansea charity bike ride in August.
Its the biggest physical test Ive faced since climbing Kilimanjaro a few years back, but Im looking forward to a great challenge, said Ann, 37.
At the front of my mind will be helping to raise loads of cash for charity and I will be riding for Maggies. They are a very worthwhile UK-wide charity with a new cancer centre in Swansea.
The actual ride takes place between August 22-26 and will cover 320 miles. I will be joining a group of riders who hope to raise more than 80,000 for Maggies.
Ann is already in training for the ride and is just over a quarter of the way towards reaching her individual target of raising 1,500.
Im a keen cyclist and Ive taken part in what are described as Sportif cycle ride events in the past. But the cycle rides Ive taken part in are nothing compared to the scale of this ride from Paris.
The hard training has started and there are a few aches and pains, but I hope to be fully geared-up for the event come August.
The support I have had from work colleagues and clients has been immense and I am very grateful to everyone who has contributed to such a worthwhile cause.
Meanwhile, I have set up a JustGiving website page which makes it easy for people to donate cash.
Cycling from Paris to Swansea in four days is a challenge in itself but is nothing compared to the work Maggie's does tirelessly from day to day, helping all affected by cancer, from sufferers, to their family and their friends. They provide exceptional support and help to all that need it.
You will all no doubt have been touched by cancer in some way in your lives and can empathise with anyone that is currently dealing with or indeed has had to deal with cancer in the past. This cruel disease does not care whom it attacks and the fight to ease the pain it causes needs our support.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving. Once you donate, theyll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So its the most efficient way to donate.
JustGiving website
http://www.justgiving.com/Ann-Thomas27
Or if you want to sponsor Ann directly, call her at Clay Shaw Butler on 01267 228 500
Email - AnnThomas@clayshawbutler.com
The Clay Shaw Butler website is at
http://www.clayshawbutler.com
Sarn Helen Events, Action Bikes and the South Wales Evening Post have teamed up to raise money for Maggies Cancer Caring Centres.
Pedal Paris2Swansea bike ride is a fantastic charity challenge starting from the capital of France, through rural countryside, over the channel, into sleepy England, and on to the heart of South West Wales, finishing at Morgans Hotel in Swansea.
Itinerary
Day 1 Travel To Paris
Day 2 Paris to Val de Reuil 75 miles: Early morning departure cycling west out of Paris, bells ringing. Along the River Seine, taking in the beautiful Vernon Gardens all the way to Val de Reuil.
Day 3 Val de Reuil to Le Havre 75 miles: The Seine is again our passage after breakfast, cycling through quiet rural roads, to the source of this magnificent river. Le Havre crossing to Portsmouth arrival approx. 21:30
Day 4 Portsmouth to Bristol 80 miles: Riding through the New Forest, and the English countryside to the spiritual home of Brunel.
Day 5 Bristol to Swansea 85 miles: Leaving Bristol under the Suspension Bridge, we cycle through Cardiff, and home to Swansea for the celebratory ride down Fabian Way.
Website -
http://www.sarnhelensportif.org/events/paris-to-swansea
Maggie's has opened its first purpose built centre in Wales. Maggie's South West Wales, located beside the Singleton Hospital in Swansea is set to provide anybody affected by cancer with support that complements the treatment provided by the hospital.
Maggie's South West Wales' position next to the South West Wales Cancer Centre allows it to support the South West Wales Cancer Network. This region currently sees more than 3,000 new cases of cancer of diagnosed each year.
We are open Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5pm for information, psychological and emotional support and benefits advice. We have a clinical psychologist, a cancer support specialist and a benefits advisor on hand for drop-in and pre-booked appointments and courses.
If you are affected by cancer please drop in to see us at our centre beside Singleton Hospital, Sketty Lane, or phone 01792 200000.
The network covers approximately 900,000 people within the regions of Aberystwyth, Haverfordwest, Swansea, Powys, Carmarthen, Llanelli, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend. In this area, there are over 3,000 new cases of cancer a year and 20,000 people living with cancer.
Uniquely, Maggies South West Wales will be the first centre to collaborate with the cancer genetics service to offer information and practical support to people who are at risk of cancer, based on family history.
For more information about supporting Maggies South West Wales, please contact Andy Watts, andy.watts@maggiescentres.org or Vicki Jones, Community Fundraising Coordinator, vicki@maggiescentres.org or telephone 01792 285682.
http://www.maggiescentres.org/centres/southwestwales/introduction.html
Smashing story in the Llanelli Star today about Radio BGM, the hospital radio service at Prince Philip Hospital, Llaneli.
Quoted in the Carmarthen Journal today in the campaign to establish a 'Black Book' exhibition in Carmarthen, at St Peter's Church.
Splendid story about the first Carmarthen Bay Film Festival in the Llanelli Star today.
The latest 'View from Richmond Park' Carmarthen Town AFC column is in the Carmarthen Journal today.
Smashing back page story in the Carmarthen Journal about the forthcoming Mond Cup football final being staged at Richmond Park, Carmarthen.
Splendid story in the Carmarthen Journal's business page about Llandeilo brewery Evan-Evans chalking up record sales.
The new weekly gardening column by Aberglasney head gardener Joseph Atkin is in the Carmarthen Journal today.
Smashing picture story in the Carmarthen Journal about Carmarthen Town AFC football club members and their marathon charity bike ride.
Nice story in the Carmarthen Journal about next month's South and West Wales Caravan and Motorhome Show at Carmarthen's Nantyci Showground.
Carmarthen Journal puts the spotlight on the countdown to the annual Carmarthen Mayor's Fun Run races (Monday, May 7). Online entries start.
Nice story in the Carmarthen Journal about up-and-coming model Grayce Davis, from Carmarthen's Stagecoach theatre arts school.
Smashing picture in Llanelli Star showing the ladies of Ashburnham Golf Club dressing up in golfing gear from 'yesteryear' for a tournament.
Llanelli Star's Going Out section has a nice story about Rhydian's concert with Cor Curiad and Cor Meibion Llanelli being a sell-out.
Nice story in the Llanelli Star sports pages about the Junior Open staged at The Ashburnham Golf Club in Pembrey.
