Simmonds said it is “totally wrong” that small brewers in the US — who produce fewer than two million barrels of beer — get reduced tax when exporting to the UK, while small brewers in the UK get nothing when they export to the US.
“Small brewers in the UK should be getting what will be a 5p difference to that price of beer in the US,” she said.
She also confirmed that the body is actively campaigning for the Government to get rid of inflation on beer duty next year.
Personal licences
In response to the Government’s proposals to scrap personal licences, she said that she has had extensive discussions with Paul Chase, head of compliance at CPL Training, and the BII (British Institute of Innkeeping).
She said it was likely that large businesses would continue with the training regardless, if the qualification is ditched, but this would be much harder for small businesses. She also said she fears local authorities would become “more draconian” in their requirements and add conditions about training on licences, which she considers “unfair”.
Government discussions
Simmonds confirmed that the BBPA will be meeting with HM Revenue & Customs on 4 October to discuss the Government’s alcohol duty fraud proposals, which mean that licensees could face £5,000 penalties if they buy from non-registered wholesale suppliers.
Active discussions are also underway with the Home Office and Department of Health after the BBPA hosted an alcohol strategy roundtable last month, specifically looking at ways to target local action, improve education and reduce availability of high-strength products.
“I am delighted that the Home Office and Department of Health have put an emphasis on working in partnership. We have earned a reputation as being a responsible industry,” Simmonds said.