Jess Brown-Fuller Meets Western Sussex CAMRA to Discuss Crisis Facing Local Pubs

On 09 July, Jess Brown-Fuller met members of the Western Sussex branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) at The Bell Inn, Chichester, to discuss the pressures facing pubs and hospitality businesses across the constituency.

CAMRA, founded in 1971, campaigns to protect community pubs and promote traditional cask-conditioned beer, cider and perry. The Western Sussex branch covers Chichester, Bognor Regis, Midhurst and surrounding villages.

The meeting is part of Jess' ongoing engagement with local pubs. She has previously visited the Woodmancote pub and the Horse and Groom in East Ashling, and has tabled written questions to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on proposed changes to planning policy HC6, warning that reforms could make it easier for pubs to be converted or demolished without local communities having a meaningful say.

She has also signed two Early Day Motions backing the sector: EDM 2350, calling for business rates reform and a VAT cut from 20% to 15%, and EDM 225, calling for reform of a business rates system that disproportionately burdens pubs.

The Liberal Democrats have set out further support for hospitality SMEs, including exempting them from the Employer NIC increase, opposing any Beer Duty rise before April 2027, and reforming business rates so large chains don't benefit at the expense of small independents.

Speaking after the meeting, Jess Brown-Fuller said:

"Pubs are the beating heart of so many of our communities in Chichester, and it's clear from speaking to CAMRA that the pressures facing licensees are only getting worse.

“My working life started in local pubs and saw first hand the important role they play in creating a community where all generations can come together. 

"I've heard the same message time and again: pubs want to just survive, but thrive, and they need government to stop treating them as an afterthought. That means real reform of business rates, a fairer deal on VAT, and support that recognises what pubs contribute to community life.

"I'll keep raising these issues in Parliament and working with groups like CAMRA to make sure all our local pubs are heard."