Press reports say independent brewers could receive a boost in the Budget, with small brewers getting better access to pub bars.
The Mail on Sunday reports that sources close to the chancellor says “she wants to bring the system into the 21st century so publicans have greater flexibility to buy beer from local small breweries to help bring in more footfall, expand choice for drinkers, and support local breweries”.
“Being able to reach people who want local beer is the number one issue facing our independent breweries, who often cannot sell to the local pubs in their community,” said SIBA chief executive, Andy Slee.
“These issues are across the sector, even in so-called ‘free house’ pubs, who are technically free to buy from whoever they choose.
“We know that there is lots of demand for locally produced independent draught beer, alongside more global brands, but consumers often can’t enjoy them in their local pub because the supply is dominated by a few globally owned breweries.
‘Potentially excellent news’
“This is why a government-led review into these issues is an important first step to explore the right solution for the sector, ensuring all breweries have access to sell draught beer and that consumer demand is met.”
He added: “If the government delivers it could be potentially excellent news for beer drinkers, local pubs, and breweries of all sizes at the heart of communities across the land.
“We also hope that the Chancellor will also consider increasing draught beer duty relief to 20% and maintaining the business rate relief to give a real boost to the sector.”
CAMRA chairman, Ash Corbett-Collins, said: “One of the biggest concerns for CAMRA members, and pub-goers in general, is the lack of independent beer on bars across the UK. Global companies have a stranglehold on the UK pub market, which we believe denies consumers choice by reducing access to pubs and bars for independent brewers.
“This absolutely needs to be looked at by the government, but also competition authorities, both in the UK and internationally. That being said, we are clear that the chancellor must use Wednesday’s Budget to reduce duty on draught beer served in pubs and to maintain business rate relief to keep the nation’s locals open and independent brewers viable in the immediate future.”
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