The new leaflet titled The Beer and Pub Story 2017 was produced by the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) in association with the Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA), the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) and Hospitality Ulster in preparation for this year’s autumn Budget.
MPs returning to Westminster have received the new guide, along with the BBPA’s unique constituency data, which shows the “vital importance” of beer and pubs in every parliamentary constituency.
Brings home 'key issues'
BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds said: “While the recent support from the Government in the form of pub-specific relief on business rates was welcome, our industry is still taxed far too heavily.”
Simmonds said the industry supports some 900,000 jobs, and further support from Government is vital if the sector is to continue to invest in people and pubs, “particularly at a time of uncertainty as we negotiate our exit from the European Union.”
“With clear and engaging infographics, The Beer and Pub Story really brings home all these key issues for our sector,” she added.
Importance of the sector
In the leaflet, the BBPA calls for at least a freeze in beer duty during this parliament and the removal of the annual inflation increases written into the Treasury’s 'red book'.
The leaflet also demonstrates that the beer and pub sector contributes £23bn to UK GDP, and generates £13bn in tax revenue, figures the BBPA says underline the importance of the sector.
Another key statistic highlights the fact pubs in Britain pay 2.8% of the total business rates bill, but account for only 0.5% business turnover.