THE threat posed to the brewing industry by bootlegging has been highlighted by Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans.
Mr Evans, vice-chairman of the All Party Beer Group at the Commons, met Dawn Primarolo, financial secretary to the treasury to highlight the concerns of an industry which employs thousands in East Lancashire at the Whitbread and Thwaites sites.
"The problem of illegal imports of beer from France is getting world because the enormous difference in tax between there and Britain gives a great incentive to the bootleggers," Mr Evans explained.
He said as well as the effects it was having on the brewing industry there were problems with violent crime between bootlegging gangs and threats against publicans and retailers.
"Unless the Government takes urgent action to alleviate this problem the crime will continue to increase and the brewing industry will be irreparably damaged."
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