Local brewers show support for duty cut
Two SIBA members are showing their gratitude for the ‘penny off the pint’ announced in the Budget with brews to thank the Chancellor George Osborne and Sajid Javid, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, for making the historic decision.
Tatton Brewery in the Chancellor’s Tatton constituency has produced a beer called ‘Pennies From 11’, while Bird’s Brewery, based in Javid’s Bromsgrove seat, has brewed ‘Sajid’s Choice’. Both have been produced as ‘one off’ brews and are only available to pubs in their local area, but will also be on tap in the Strangers’ Bar at the House of Commons next month, as part of the regular guest ale appearances for MPs’ local beers, established by the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group.
SIBA chairman Keith Bott said, “There is surely no better way to celebrate the duty cut than with a pint of British beer. We’re delighted that Tatton and Bird’s have brewed these commemorative ales to thank their MPs and we urge licensees and beer drinkers in Tatton and Bromsgrove to celebrate with a glass of Pennies From 11 or Sajid’s Choice.”
He added, “The lobbying efforts of the 650 local brewers belonging to SIBA, including Tatton and Bird’s, were crucial in bringing about the first reduction in beer duty since 1959. Our case, that high levels of beer duty were damaging the UK’s pubs and the communities they support, clearly struck a chord with many MPs and, ultimately, with Sajid Javid and George Osborne.
“We are grateful not only to our own members, but to the many others involved in the beer duty campaign, including the British Beer & Pub Association, the Campaign for Real Ale and the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, led by Andrew Griffiths.”
