The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. It was exactly 30 years ago, on 26th January 1980, that a group of around 20 brewers met in a pub in Swindon and decided to set up their own association.

Though SIBA’s membership now numbers around 450, the organisation’s aims today are broadly the same as they were then: to promote the interests of smaller brewers and to help them to bring their beers to market.

Almost from the start, SIBA campaigned for a sliding scale of brewing duty and there is no doubt that Progressive Beer Duty, introduced in 2002, has helped to bring about a revival in craft brewing in the UK. Similarly, SIBA’s Direct Delivery Scheme, launched in 2003, has put local beers into many pubs that would otherwise have remained closed to them. Around 1,800 pubs now source local beers through DDS.

SIBA chief executive Julian Grocock says, “SIBA has achieved much to be proud of in its 30-year history. Our anniversary year looks set to be an interesting one, presenting both opportunities and challenges for our members, as well as a General Election, which is certain to have repercussions for our industry.

“SIBA is very much involved in the ongoing discussion around industry issues such as the beer tie and minimum pricing. We are grateful to all those involved with SIBA, who have worked hard over 30 years to position us successfully as the voice of quality brewing in the UK.”