UK: British Beer and Pub Association urges government to address inflation and reduce beer duty

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has called on the government to focus on reducing inflation and beer duty ahead of next month’s spring budget announcement, the Drinks Retailing News reported.

On February 14, the Office for National Statistics shared that inflation remained at 4% in January. This figure has remained unchanged since December 2023.

Reacting to the news, Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, said the government urgently needs to relieve the ongoing financial burden on the brewing industry.

“The continuation of inflation at 4% in January will do nothing to alleviate the significant pressure on the beer and pub sector that long ago ran out of room to absorb cost increases while also staying in business.”

Looking ahead, McClarkin said: “The government must take the opportunity of next month’s Budget to make the vital cuts to beer duty, long term reforms to business rates…This will allow pubs and breweries to start to recover from this period of cost rises and return to bringing prosperity and social value to their local communities.”

14 February, 2024