The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) has denounced today’s increase of 2% above inflation in beer duty as the product of the Government’s ‘disconnected’ approach to local brewing and local pubs.

SIBA Chairman Keith Bott says, “Today’s announcement is another example of the apparent disconnect between what this Government says about encouraging local, sustainable economies and what it does, which is having a disastrous effect on the pubs that local brewers need to thrive if they are to thrive themselves. The sooner it realises the link between the two and starts making policies that support local pubs and local brewers, rather than damaging them, the better.”

SIBA Chairman, Keith Bott

He adds, “The continuous percentage hikes in duties across the board fail to address the imperative to move consumers away from stronger alcohols with greater potential to cause harm, towards cask ale. Cask beer, with its relatively low ABV, is always consumed in the controlled, socially responsible environment of the pub, making it a much less damaging form of alcohol than cheap supermarket-bought spirits. “

SIBA noted today’s decision to raise cider duty by 10% above inflation as a one-off step towards creating a more even playing field between beer and cider. Bott also applauded the intention to address the anomaly that allows high-strength ciders to enjoy low rates of duty. He added “We urge the Government to complete the process of leveling the taxation on brewers and cidermakers, by introducing comparable rates based on ABV and by pressing Europe to introduce a small cider producers relief.”