The BBPA has welcomed announcements made in the King’s Speech this morning. In what is the first state opening of Parliament held under a Labour Government in 14 years it gives us a first look at the Governments priorities over the next 5 years.
It is welcomed to see the Government prioritise a renewed commitment towards economic growth for businesses and workers after what has been a challenging time for brewers and pubs, as well as staff across the sector.
We will work closely with the Government as they begin to make clear their plans to strengthen careers in hospitality and through planned reforms to the apprenticeship levy and the introduction of the Skills England Bill. This will go a long way towards addressing staff shortages that have, in some instances, led to closures.
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill, pledging to create high-quality housing, will create new communities. We know how important creating a sense of place is for communities up and down the UK and pubs are firmly at the heart of this. We are looking forward to working with policymakers on how we can continue to put pubs and brewers at the centre of this conversation.
Volatility in the energy market has squeezed margins for publicans, and the sector will look closely how the creation of Great British Energy will help secure domestic energy supply and in generating confidence across the sector.
In Labour’s plan for pubs, a crackdown on anti-social behaviour was proposed, we are pleased to see this reiterated in the King’s speech and will continue working with industry partners like Pubwatch and policymakers in Whitehall to ensure the best possible policies are implemented.
Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association said:
“Britain’s beer and pub sector will welcome the Government’s renewed focus on achieving greater and sustained economic growth as outlined in today’s King’s Speech. Our nation’s brewers and pubs are drivers of local economic growth and high street revitalisation across the UK.
“The BBPA will work closely with ministers as they set out plans to reduce energy costs, along with plans to reform workers’ rights and the apprentice levy, and establish the best practices for venues like pubs to be safe from external threats like terrorism, without the burden of disproportionate cost and bureaucracy.”
“We will also look closely at how planning reforms in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill will help unlock investment that has previously been hindered by planning restrictions, as well as the emphasising the essential place of pubs in the heart of communities as the Government looks set to unveil its ambitious new housing targets.”
Media Contact: Press press@beerandpub.com
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