Pubs under EU rules attack

Pubs under EU rules attack

The struggling pub trade is to face further problems thanks to EU legislation involving allergen warnings coming into force later this year.

"As if licensees don't have enough to cope with trying to make a living these days without more nannying behaviour being imposed by Brussels," said UKIP deputy leader Paul Nuttall.

"They insist on treating everyone like imbeciles when it is those running the madhouse who are crazy.

"By and large by the time people reach adulthood they know what they are allergic to and how to steer clear of the culprits.

"There may be scope for warnings on foods as it is not always obvious which contain, for example, nuts but we don't need interference from the EU. We can and do already sensibly deal with that ourselves in this country.

"Having to display allergen information for beer and wine will cause extra costs, disruption and inconvenience to landlords and is a waste of time," said Mr Nuttall, North West MEP and Save the Pub campaigner.

"As well as knowing what foods to avoid people know which drinks to steer clear off. I'm sure those with a gluten intolerance know to avoid beer and those sensitive to sulphite know it's frequently in wine.

"Do they really need signs on the draught pumps or menu? I don't believe they are as ignorant as the bureaucrats whiling away the hours dreaming up such unnecessary laws seem to think.

"This is due to come into force on 13 December but many in the licensed trade are unaware of it and unless they obey this latest diktat face prosecution. They have a daily struggle to keep going in the face of taxes and unfair competition with supermarkets and off licences and this will just add to their woes.

"It should be chucked out with the beer slops," he added.