Budget is a ‘bitter blow’ for beer drinkers, community pubs and small breweries – Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA)
“Today’s Budget is a bitter blow for beer drinkers, community pubs, and small breweries. Instead of supporting a sector already under immense pressure, the Chancellor has chosen to increase beer duty on top of a raft of other tax rises. She had a real opportunity to build on last year’s progress by extending Draught Relief — a move that would have ensured beer sold in pubs carried a lower rate of duty — but she chose not to act.
It was however positive to see the Chancellor narrow the disparity in tax paid by online gambling businesses compared to high-street and hospitality businesses, something which SIBA has sought to see Government address.
Lastly, whilst the Business Rates reform is welcome, offering permanent relief for pubs and hospitality – and the commitment to modernising licensing is a step forward – these measures fall far short of addressing the escalating costs facing pubs and breweries up and down the country.
In the past year alone, we’ve lost more than 100 small breweries, and many more are now on the brink. Without meaningful support, we risk losing vital community institutions and the independent producers that keep Britain’s beer culture alive.” Andy Slee, SIBA Chief Executive.
