Andrew has held a private meeting with Home Office Minister James Brokenshire MP to discuss Government plans to change licensing laws which will affect brewers and publicans in Burton.

Mr Brokenshire, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Home Office, is in charge of the proposals which include plans to introduce a ban on below cost selling in supermarkets, to give more powers to local councils to close down troublesome pubs, and plans to charge late night drinking establishments for the cost of policing.

Andrew held the meeting in his role as Vice Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group.

Andrew said: “I am delighted the Minister was able to find the time to discuss the concerns of Burton’s brewers and pub companies. I fully support plans to tackle anti-social behaviour and binge drinking. However I want to ensure that these plans do not place unnecessary costs and burdens on local pubs.

“I was able to get across the concerns that the unintended consequences of some of the plans might make it more difficult for good pubs to operate properly. I was very pleased that the Minister took on board our concerns and pledged to work with us in developing these plans.”

The meeting included a representative of CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, and representatives from breweries and pub companies.