BREWING and pub groups’ bosses have rallied round Burton’s Tory MP after his political rivals accused him of failing to support the industry.

A Labour Party leaflet claimed Conservative Andrew Griffiths had backed a massive hike in beer tax in this year’s Budget and had shown himself to be a Tory ‘lackey’.

The leaflet also accused Mr Griffiths, chairman of the parliamentary beer group, of not standing up for Burton’s brewing industry at a time when pubs are closing and ‘hard-working families are suffering’ due to Government austerity.

The MP, who was elected in 2010, hit back with statements of support from the Burton-based Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) and the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), which represents giants including Molson Coors, Marston’s, Punch Taverns and Spirit Pub Company.

The leaflet, which is being circulated mainly in Uttoxeter, said: “Andrew Griffiths has shown himself to be a lackey of his party masters as he puts the party whip before his duties to his constituencies by backing a massive hike in duty on beer.

“At a time when pubs are closing and every hard-working family is suffering the effects of the Tory-led Government’s vicious cuts on public services — carried out to fund tax cuts for their rich pals — we had hoped Andrew Griffiths would stand up for the brewing industry in his own constituency.”

SIBA chairman Keith Bott retorted: “The support given to the brewing industry by Andrew Griffiths has been second to none.

“As chairman, I have worked closely with Andrew who has shown unparalleled support for British brewing.

“I know his frustration with the unfairness of the current duty system has led him to make sure the subject is high on the political agenda.”

BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds added: “Andrew has been a great friend to the brewing industry. He is a powerful advocate for a fair deal for beer in the tax system and to remove the current ‘tax escalator’ which was introduced by the previous government.

“With so many jobs in Burton dependent on the industry, I know he will continue to work to support our campaigns.”

The All Party Parliamentary Beer Group presented its inaugural award for the “Beer Sommelier of the Year” to Nigel Sadler at the Annual Beer Awards dinner held in Westminster last night.

Commenting on the Award, Andrew Griffiths MP, Chairman of the Group, said “Too many people lose sight of the pivotal role that beer plays in the UK economy – and of its contribution to the British way of life. The Beer Academy has done a fantastic service for the appreciation and promotion of beer by establishing this new Beer Sommelier qualification, which will create a pool of ambassadors with the knowledge, communication skills and, most importantly, the passion to inspire people to rediscover our national drink.

I am delighted that the Beer Group’s first Beer Sommelier of the Year award is going to Nigel Sadler, who has been untiring in using his new found status as a Beer Academy Sommelier to build public awareness of the enormous diversity of beer styles and the opportunities to partner beer and food. ”

Moody Systems have had a hand in making Jason Hill and Stephen Mitchell’s brewery plans turn into reality by helping to set up their five barrel brewery in Penrith, Cumbria. Eden Brewery first started brewing with the help from specialists Moody Systems Ltd in March 2012 and are now enjoying the benefits from the equipment provided.

After discussing his plans with Kerry Piper, Internal Sales Coordinator at Moody Systems, they were able to put together a five barrel brewery due to the excellent standard of equipment on offer. Part of the Moody group of companies, Moody Systems have been suppliers and service providers to the brewery industry for over 35 years.

“As soon as we got in touch with Moody Systems, we realised they had the right solution for us. They even arranged for me to visit to another brewery to see their equipment in action. There were many questions we had, particularly as this was our first brewery project, but they had plenty of reassurance to guide us through the process. We are now into full production with a couple of great beers and plans for further product development very soon.,” said Jason Hill, co- owner and Head Brewer at Eden Brewery.

Kerry commented, “We try and schedule visits to breweries for our customers to ensure they know exactly what they are getting. This has proved very productive and customers can get some excellent answers. Eden Brewery is a very good example of how we have worked on a start-up brewery project and have found our customer to be very satisfied indeed!”

For more information on our brewery equipment on offer, please contact Kerry Piper on 01777 712110 or email kerry.piper@moodyplc.com