Extraordinary news: Minister turns down a pint @ The Goth!

We've heard 'Man bites dog', but Minister turns down a pint at The Goth?

East Lothian MP Fiona O'Donnell MP tells it as it is.

Our East Lothian MP has backed a motion in the House of Commons to reform the pub industry to ensure that East Lothian’s publicans are treated fairly by large pub companies.

She said: “Pubs play a vital role in East Lothian particularly in the more rural parts of the county, providing much needed jobs for young people who are currently finding job hunting so difficult. As well as being vital local employers for young people, in some communities in East Lothian, pubs are often the only remaining place for community groups and organisations to meet up.

“I know that many people locally are concerned about the numbers of pubs that have closed in the area and the damaging impact this has on the local community, job losses and the local economy.

“As a new Member of Parliament I have been amazed at the scale of the problem and at the number of publicans who have come to me to seek help.

“I have been alarmed at the bullying and intimidation tactics used towards lessees by the pub companies who charge up to 100 per cent more for beer than the wholesale price and set rents for pub premises at unsustainable rates.

“I invited the Minister to East Lothian to see some different pub models that are fairer and give something back to the community. I offered to buy him a pint in the Gothenburg in Prestonpans which was voted Community Pub of the Year last year by Forth Radio. He didn’t take up the offer.

She's right and the social implications are seemingly barely understood in government, more's the pity.
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Ed: Full story on Friday in East Lothian News.