Local Member of Parliament Kate Griffiths is calling on all Burton breweries, publicans and pubgoers to back her petition urging the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, to cut Beer Duty in the Government’s forthcoming Budget and Spending Review—scheduled to take place on 27th October.
In the Budget, the Chancellor outlines the Government’s spending commitments for the year including changes to fuel, alcohol and tobacco duties.
Kate, who represents the brewing capital of the UK in Parliament, has been a champion of the industry since her election, and has worked tirelessly throughout the coronavirus pandemic in calling for financial support to see the hospitality sector through the emergency.
Now, as the UK looks to build back better, Kate is calling for a cut to Beer Duty to help pubs and breweries bounce back from the pandemic financially, and to ensure that pubs remain at the heart of our communities in the future.
Last year the Government announced a review into Alcohol Duties, and, following the UK’s departure from the EU, Ms Griffiths urged the Treasury to seize the opportunity this created to cut draught beer duty to bring about greater parity between pubs and the supermarkets when buying a pint.
Commenting, Kate Griffiths MP, said:
“The last 18 months have been a torrid time for pubs and the wider hospitality sector.
“Whilst supermarkets have remained open, and have seen healthy profits, pubs and many breweries had to close in response to the pandemic.
“Now is the time to get behind our pubs and breweries, which is why I am urging the Chancellor to cut Beer Duty in his forthcoming Budget to give the industry the additional help it needs to get back on its feet.
“In Burton, we know all too well the importance of pubs as venues where communities comes together, and how they are there for us when we need them most.
“Now is the time to help them back.”
