The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) has welcomed the passing of new legislation in the NI Assembly as a ‘tentative first step’ towards brewery taprooms being allowed to open. While the new licensing laws could pave the way for independent brewers to finally open brewery taprooms, which have been a hugely important part of the […]
The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) has welcomed changes to the Licensing Bill which would allow the opening of brewery taprooms as a ‘positive step forward’ for NI’s craft brewers. Currently NI’s 30 small and independent brewers are not permitted to open onsite taprooms to sell their beer directly to consumers, unlike breweries in GB […]
In recent months there has been growing speculation that the Government is considering a lower duty rate for draught beer. In this article SIBA Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Barry Watts, looks at its implications for small brewers. As brewers, we all know that currently beer is taxed (far too highly) according to its […]
In this article, SIBA Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Barry Watts explores the forthcoming Deposit Return Schemes and the impact on small brewers Over the next decade or so, governments across the UK have ambitious plans to introduce measures which aim to tackle climate change. With the COP26 conference taking place later this year […]
Responding to the proposals for calorie counts on pints as reported in The Sun, Chief Executive of the Society of Independent Brewers, James Calder said: “Just when we are starting on the long road to recovery from the devastating impacts of Covid, the Government is planning another costly and complicated hit to struggling pubs and […]
Commenting on the Tied Pubs Bill becoming law yesterday (23 March 2021), Chief Executive of the Society of Independent Brewers, James Calder said: “With the passage of the Tied Pubs Bill in Scotland last night, pub tenants will now have the same statutory rights that have been provided in England and Wales under a Pubs […]
Responding to the First Minister’s statement today (16 March 2021) on the reopening of the Scottish economy, Chief Executive of the Society of Independent Brewers, James Calder said: “It is encouraging that the First Minister has taken the first steps to reopen pubs in Scotland with outdoor services from 26 April, but this is several […]
Commenting on the announcement of the Scottish Brewers Support Fund, SIBA Chief Executive James Calder said: “Beleaguered small breweries have been some of the hardest hit by the Covid pandemic and seen their sales drain away with the closure of pubs. In these tough times it is hugely welcome that the Scottish Government has listened […]
Responding to the latest lockdown restrictions and financial support, SIBA Chief Executive, James Calder said: “This is simply the next blow after months of struggle for England’s community pubs and small breweries. For the first time in lockdown the Government intends to ban takeaway alcohol sales which have been a lifeline to these small businesses. […]
Over three hundred small independent breweries have signed a letter by the Society of Independent Brewers to the Prime Minister, calling on him to commit to proper support for the sector which has been decimated by Covid lockdown in 2020. Small breweries have faced harsh restrictions on their businesses over the last year and saw […]