HAMPSHIRE MP Sandra Gidley is calling on the Government to lower taxes on alcohol to help save local pubs from closing.

The Liberal Democrat for Romsey says too much regulation and high taxes on beer, along with cheap supermarket booze, are forcing publicans to call time completely.

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As reported in the Daily Echo yesterday, nearly one in four pubs in Southampton have closed in the past three years.

Across Hampshire almost 100 landlords have called time for good with the loss of around 500 jobs for the region.

“Local pubs form the heart of many of our local communities.

Sadly though, too many are closing their doors for the final time as publicans are hit by high taxes on beer and too much regulation.

Moreover, with the recession biting, more and more people are drinking at home after buying cheap alcohol from supermarkets.

“The Government needs to take action to save our locals now. Tax on beer sold in pubs has to be lowered immediately. This would not only help get people back into their local pubs, but would also encourage responsible drinking in a managed environment.”

More than 12 per cent of south Hampshire pubs have gone – double the national average.

The region now has just 674 pubs, 97 fewer than the 771 that were serving punters in 2006.

The MP is calling on pub owners to contact her with problems they face with the recession and is urging Hampshire residents to support their local.

“I urge any local publicans who are facing hard times to get in contact with me.

“I hope too that residents across Southampton will get down to their locals and show their support for our great British pubs before last orders are called for the last time.”