Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) respond to PM’s statement on removal of remaining Covid hospitality measures
“Brewers and publicans across England will this evening breathe a small sigh of relief as PM Boris Johnson confirmed the remaining Covid hospitality restrictions will be lifted as part of the planned 19th July easing of Covid rules across England, but that a final go-ahead would be given on the 12th July. Between now and then we need to hear more details about test to release which will allow pubs to stay open in the event of contact”
Small, beer-focussed community pubs are not viable with social distancing and table service-only in place, with thousands having chosen to remain closed and others struggling on at drastically reduced profit. The knock-on effect has been an incredibly tough trading environment for independent craft breweries, as 80% of the beer they produce is sold in pubs in a normal year. Now as restrictions lift our vibrant independent brewing industry and the pubs they supply can begin on the long road to recovery.
The UK’s vaccine rollout has been a landmark success. I for one am looking forward to being able to visit pubs, stand at the bar and enjoy a pint of cask beer from an independent craft brewery.
SIBA would also like to see the First Minsters in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to follow England’s lead and confirm plans for the removal of hospitality restrcitions, allowing pubs, bars and brewery taprooms to catch the end of the vital summer trade and begin to recoup the losses made over the last eighteen months.”
James Calder, SIBA Chief Executive
