Cheers! Tom Blenkinsop MP backs New Rules to help Pubs Survive

Labour MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland backed an amendment to the Small Business Bill that put a stop to large pub companies forcing their pub tenants to buy beer solely through them, and therefore charging them much higher prices than on the open market.

The Labour Party backed amendment successfully passed on the 18th of November, defeating the Tory-led government’s opposition to it, with Tom’s vote adding to the over 200 other labour MP’s who supported the measure. The change should mean that more pubs can remain open and potentially pass on savings to the general public.

Tim Page head of the Campaign for Real Ale expressed that he was ‘delighted’ that after years of campaigning parliament had voted to introduce a rent only option for licensees, and called it a ‘move that will secure the future of the Great British pub”.

‘Boro Residents lose £1371 annually to High-street Gambling Machines

Known as the ‘crack cocaine of gambling’ fixed odds betting terminals (FOBT) allow players to bet up to £100 ever 20 seconds on virtual games of roulette and poker. Middlesbrough has 42 betting shops where such machines exist, with the average Middlesbrough FOBT user loosing £1371 a year.

This video shows 29 year old Middlesbrough resident and father, Michael O’Grady, telling Look North about the pain FOBTs have caused him and his family, as he starts to turn his life around.

A number of Labour MP’s have expressed concern about FOBTs including Tom Blenkinsop, Labour MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, and Tom Watson, Labour MP for West Bromwich East. Please support the campaign to tighten restrictions on high-street betting by clicking below to visit STOP FOBTs.