Trade bodies join forces against beer duty

16-Jan-2017 - Last updated on 17-Jan-2017 at 08:14 GMT

Duty cut: the BBPA’s chief executive Brigid Simmonds said support has helped the campaign work

Leading trade bodies have teamed up to campaign against beer duty ahead of the March Budget and are calling on MPs for support.

The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) have all written to MPs urging them to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to support their call for a beer duty cut.

The campaign follows the BBPAs call on the Government to cut beer duty after figures revealed there was a case for it.

The BBPA has launched a new website for members of the public to write to their MPs urging them to pledge their support and back calls for a cut in duty.

The website includes new widgets that enable licensees to see how much recent cuts in beer tax have saved them.

Benefits to be gained from a further beer duty cut

It will also launch a new suite of infographics accompanied with ‘#cutbeertax’ across social media.

BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds said: “Our sector supports almost 900,000 vital jobs and contributes more than £23bn to the economy and we believe our industry should be supported to ensure we can continue to invest in jobs, particularly for young people.

“In recent years, the Government has cut beer tax three times and opted for a freeze on duty last year.”

She said strong support from the public and MPs has helped the campaign work and data shows there are benefits to be gained from a further cut.

CAMRA national chairman Colin Valentine said the previous three cuts have supported significant growth in the brewing industry and helped to keep the price of a pint down.

Britain pays the second highest rate of beer duty in Europe

He added: “However, with beer tax currently at 52p on a pint, beer drinkers are still paying a notable amount – especially in comparison to other big brewing nations.

“A cut to beer duty will show Government support for the British brewing industry and keep the price of beer down for consumers.

SIBA managing director Mike Benner said: “Britain still pays the second highest rate of beer duty in Europe and more than 13 times as much as Spain or Germany, despite beer from British independent craft breweries in high demand for its quality and flavour.”

He said the Government should introduce a cut in beer duty to allow the British manufacturing industry the chance to continue to grow and thrive.