The Chancellor's decision to go ahead with beer tax rises is the signing of a death warrant for thousands of more pubs across Britain - and a slap in the face to the tens of thousands of Axe the Beer Tax campaign supporters, including more than 200 MPs, publicans, the brewing industry, pubgoers and the general public.

The British Beer and Pub Association issued a release on the decision immediately.

"Today's Budget signs the death warrant for thousands of Britain's pubs and for tens of thousands of British jobs.

"Pubs play a vital role in the economy and in local communities. Yet six are closing every day and more than 2,000 have gone in the last 12 months alone. The Chancellor's unfair and unjustified announcement today condemns thousands more to shut for good.

"In imposing these additional beer taxes, the Government has wilfully ignored the views of the public, landlords, consumer groups, industry representatives and MPs from all parties who have been calling for action to save the British pub.

"At a time when the rest of the economy is getting a supporting hand, the beer and pub industry is being singled out for punitive action. Last year the Chancellor raised beer tax by an eye-watering 18 per cent. Today's rise is a further body blow. The result will be more pubs closing, more jobs being lost and more people consuming alcohol outside supervised, licensed premises.

"Our campaign with CAMRA to save pubs as a vital part of British life now becomes a matter of the highest priority. It has widespread public support, cross-party political support plus the support of trade unions such as Unite. The only person who doesn't seem to be listening is the Chancellor. We will be mobilising public, consumer, and industry support to force the Government to scrap the duty escalator as part of a co-ordinated plan to save the Great British pub."

The Axe The Beer Tax Campaign will now be increasing its activity ahead of the Budget debates in Parliament over the next week.