“After the double digit increase in beer duty only months ago, independent breweries will heave a huge sigh of relief that duty is now frozen until next summer, allowing the new alcohol duty system time to bed in. The Business Rates discount being extended will also be welcome news for community pubs and taprooms, though a full reform of the system is still needed in the near future.
However there are a number of missed opportunities; firstly the decision to not extend draught duty relief, which could have provided a much needed festive boost to our community pubs and independent breweries.
Secondly that there has been no announcement of support for small independent breweries seeking to meet the Government set Net Zero Emissions targets. Breweries are increasingly conscious of their environmental impact and it is essential that targeted grants and subsidies are in place to encourage this.” Andy Slee, SIBA Chief Executive.
