JD Wetherspoon joins BBPA

Pub company JD Wetherspoon has joined the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA).

The move is a boost for the BBPA which last week lost the support of Mitchells and Butlers, which has switched its membership to the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR).

BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds said the news reflected well on the BBPA's strategic objectives of championing both beer and pubs to deliver a fiscal and legislative environment that enables the sector to grow.

Brigid Simmonds, BBPA chief executive, said: "I am delighted to welcome JD Wetherspoon to BBPA membership. Tim Martin has been a great advocate for our industry's priorities, in particular the crucial issue of beer taxation, and the over-regulation of the sector."

Tim Martin, JD Wetherspoon chief executive, added: "Given the pressures we face, the industry needs a strong and united voice in its dealings with Government. The BBPA has a strong track record on the issues that are key to JD Wetherspoon. I look forward to adding our weight to the industry's campaigns."

By Neil Gerrard

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