NEWS COPY
A campaign to save Britain’s pubs has called on the Government to pitch in over Christmas - by reworking a classic Christmas carol.
In an emotive video, a quartet of Christmas carollers take to the streets with a new rendition of ‘Silent Night’ - changing the lyrics to ‘Silent Pint’ to reflect how many pubs are at risk of closure.
As many as 48 pubs could shut their doors for the last time before the year is out.
As a result, campaigners from Long Live The Local [https://www.longlivethelocal.pub/] are calling on the newly-elected Government to cut beer duty and help save pubs from closing.
It comes after the British Beer and Pub Association found more than 200million pints will be enjoyed in pubs over the festive period.
Three out of four pubs across the country will be open on Christmas Day, with one in three serving Christmas dinner to residents.
David Cunningham, programme director at Long Live The Local, said: “Pubs are a vital community hub, particularly at Christmas time - what better place to toast the festive season and end the year?
“Sadly though, local pubs are still closing, due to financial pressures.
“It’s easy to forget the stark reality facing pubs amid the Christmas celebrations, and we hope Silent Pint will remind the Government how important it is to cut beer tax and help keep British pubs open.”
Campaigners are also calling on the nation to support their local pub this festive season by sharing the video, signing their petition and emailing MPs to urge the Government to cut beer tax.
Ashley McCarthy, publican of Ye Old Sun Inn in Colton, North Yorkshire, added: “Christmas really is the most wonderful time of year to enjoy your local pub, with families and friends coming together over drinks and a meal to celebrate the festive season.
“Every year, we host hundreds of familiar, friendly neighbours in our pub at Christmas time - it’s sad to think how many communities are losing places like ours.
“If you love your local, please sign the petition and email your MP to call on the government to take action.”
SILENT PINT – FULL LYRICS
Silent Pint, empty night!
All is calm, causing fright.
Round yon Pilsner, Porter & Mild,
Publicans so terribly tired,
Let the beer tax ce…ease,
Let the beer tax cease.
Silent Pint, empty night!
Landlords quake at the sight,
Locals wail from home afar
While the taxman sings ‘Alleluia!’
Let the beer tax ce…ease,
Let the beer tax cease.
Silent Pint, empty night!
Country pubs, shine no light,
Darkness fills our watering holes,
Publicans are dragged over coals
Let the beer tax ce…ease,
Let the beer tax cease.
Silent Pint, CLOSING night!
Now’s the time, join the fight,
Sing this song and be vocal,
This Christmas time,
long live the local.
Let the beer tax ce…ease,
Let the beer tax cease.
ENDS
