The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has submitted its representations ahead of the Budget, which will take place on 27th October.
In its submission, the BBPA highlights the vital role pubs and brewers play in supporting more than 900,000 jobs in communities across the UK, and contributing £26 billion to the UK economy.
It says that if the government is serious about ‘building back better’ and ‘levelling up’, it must invest in pubs and brewers who have a leading role to play in the recovery.
In particular, the BBPA highlights how pubs and brewers play a positive role in communities, are a force for good for mental health and sociability, also employing a high proportion of young adults.
However, it says that this requires co-investment from government in the form of a fairer tax burden and more level playing field with other European nations, post-Brexit.
It urges chancellor Rishi Sunak to pay attention to the 92,000 people who have signed the Long Live The Local campaign petition so far and:
- Cut beer duty
- Extend business rates relief for pubs beyond 1st April, 2022
- Permanently lower VAT for all food and drink sold in pubs
BBPA chief executive, Emma McClarkin, said: “Investing in our brewers and pubs is investing in our communities and society to build back better. The government must do this by reforming VAT, beer duty, and business rates, which currently place an unfair burden on pubs and other hospitality businesses.
“In return, we will create jobs, boost the local economy, and help our communities reconnect and unite again.
“We urge those who want to see hospitality and pubs recover to support the Long Live The Local campaign and sign the petition. Investment in our sector can help the country build back better with stronger communities, more jobs, and a boost to villages, towns, and cities across the country.”
