The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has welcomed the implementation of the freeze on beer duty from today, which was announced by the Chancellor Phillip Hammond in the autumn Budget.

During a visit to a brewery in Liverpool today, the Chancellor praised the contributions made by the British beer and pub sector to the economy and communities.

BBPA

An increase in beer duty would have come into effect today had the Chancellor not chosen to freeze it for another year. The BBPA calculates the decision will save pubs and pub-goers £110 million, helping to secure upwards of 3,000 jobs that would have otherwise been lost. 

Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the BBPA, said: “Clearly, the Chancellor listened to the 116,000 people who signed the petition to cut beer tax in his last Budget. Pubs are so important to their local communities, and 82% of the beer we drink here is brewed in the UK, so it is great to see the Chancellor supporting a great British industry.

“Freezing beer duty is a big helping hand for pubs across the UK that are struggling. I hope we can build on this in the future, and we will continue to celebrate the vital role that local pubs play in communities, and highlight the ongoing pressures they face by supporting the Long Live the Local campaign.

“The Chancellor’s decision to review small breweries’ relief is also most welcome and now under way.”