London's pride, the brewing and pub group Fuller, Smith & Turner, has a soaring figure in its profits up by a 17 per cent with strong sales.

The 165-year-old legend of London made a pre-tax profits, up by 17 per cent to £26.6m in this year till 27 March, the total revenues plunged by 8 per cent to £227.7m. The sales of pubs and hotels rose by 2.7 per cent over the year. Further to comment the Fuller's Beer Company had an exceptional year with a 7 per cent increase in operating profits.

The managing director of Fuller's Inns, Simon Emeny, commented that the legislation during the past years had been tough on the industry. The Duty on alcohol has also inclined at unexpected levels to 26 per cent in the last 27 months. More specifically, he urged the coalition Government to show a "different attitude" about the low price of alcohol sold in supermarkets, which remains a key concern for pubs trying to remain competitive.

Further Mr. Emeny has demanded a change in the outlook of the Government's approach for beer pricing, which is termed as the mildest form of alcoholic drink. According to him the beer pricing should be promoted instead of levying tax on it. However the Fuller's is concerned about the growing impact of VAT in the emergency Budget to be made visible on 22 June would have on consumer spending.

Despite the not so good condition of economy, Fuller's has outperformed in the 52 weeks to 27 March.