Independent Brewers respond to lack of direct support in Chancellor’s Spring Budget
“The Government’s continued support for independent breweries and community pubs through an extended beer duty freeze is a welcome announcement that will help keep the price of a pint from rising. The National Insurance cuts will also put more money into people’s pockets which is essential for encouraging spending in pubs and hospitality.
However nothing has been done to address the heavy Covid debt the sector still carries, and despite pubs and independent breweries being vital to local communities they have received no direct support in the Spring Budget – with a missed opportunity to increase the Draught Relief to 20% or more which could have boosted our hospitality sector.
Between them SIBA members run over 2000 pubs, bars and brewery taprooms, making a significant contribution to the local economy and community well-being. We are disappointed that nothing specific has been done to help alleviate the cost tsunami facing our much loved breweries and pubs in the months ahead.” Andy Slee, SIBA Chief Executive
