Marston’s said the decision to take a penny off the price of a pint for the second year running, as announced in the Budget last week, was a huge boost to the industry.
Confidence boost
Marston’s chief executive Ralph Findlay said: ““Marston's is creating 3,000 new jobs over the next two years in its programme to build new pub restaurants across the UK.
“Two consecutive Budgets have been positive for the pub and brewing industry, which gives the business confidence to plan continued investment and provides clarity for forward planning.”
Marston’s runs more than 2,000 pubs across the country and employs 13,000 people nationwide, including more than 1,200 at the Wolverhampton brewery.
'Pubs are vital'
Chancellor George Osborne said: “I was delighted to be able to take a penny off the price of a pint in last week’s Budget for the second year in a row. Pubs are a vital part of British communities and I want to do all I can to support them.
“Our economic plan is all about creating jobs and economic security. Our pubs and brewers also employ thousands of people up and down the country and it is great news that Marston’s are today creating 3,000 new jobs following the Budget.”
British Beer & Pub Association chief executive Brigid Simmonds said brewers and pub companies are already showing “an amazing response” to the beer duty cut.
“The vast majority of our member companies have already been in touch to express their delight at the Budget. The duty cut is being passed on to customers,” she said.
“It’s a great vote of confidence in the Budget, and very good news for all those who want to enjoy an affordable pint in the Great British pub.”