SIBA respond to anticipated extension of alcohol duty freeze
The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) have responded to reports of an anticipated announcement on the extension of the alcohol duty freeze.
“Independent breweries play a vital role in the British hospitality industry and are embedded in their local communities, providing jobs and adding greatly to local economies across the UK. The extension of the beer duty freeze will come as welcome news to these vital independent businesses, providing some certainty until the summer. But with breweries facing pressure from every direction and energy costs spiralling we would urge the Government to go further to ensure the number of breweries in the UK doesn’t continue to decline.
“Independent brewers would like to see the new draught beer duty relief increased from 5% to 20% when it is introduced next summer to give our struggling pub industry a shot in the arm, as well as continued support for independent breweries under the energy bill relief scheme.” Richard Naisby, SIBA National Chairman
