A TEST Valley pub has backed moves to fight a controversial tax hike on beer sales.

Staff at the Star Inn at East Tytherley near Lockerley are urging pub goers to sign up to the “Axe The Beer Tax” campaign.

It follows a government decision to impose an increase in duty that could see taxes on ale rising by 40 per cent over the next three years.

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Landlady Lesley Newitt said she was joining calls by the British Beer and Pubs Association and Campaign for Real Ale to scrap the initiative. She said: “Pubs are at the heart of communities across Britain. They are where people meet and socialise, and they promote responsible and sensible drinking. These taxes will be a death warrant for pubs and dozens of jobs in pubs here in the Test Valley.”

Test Valley MP Sandra Gidley has called on publicans to contact her if facing difficulties and urged Test Valley residents to get down to their locals and show their support “before last orders are called for the last time.”