Commenting on the second, historic beer duty cut in the Budget, Brigid Simmonds, BBPA Chief Executive, says:
“This is fantastic news, and George Osborne is again the toast of Britain’s brewers, pubs and pubgoers. It will protect over 7,000 jobs over two years, mostly jobs of younger people in Britain’s pubs.
“It also shows that the Government has understood our case, that taxes on British beer had become far too high, and action was long overdue.
“I hope this becomes a trend in future budgets for this British-made, lower-strength drink.”
Interviews:
BBPA Chief Executive Brigid Simmonds is available for broadcast interview in central London
For further information please contact:
David Wilson: Public Affairs Director Tel: 020 7627 9151
Neil Williams, Head of Media Tel: (020) 7627 9156 / 07974 249 779
Gareth Barrett, Public Affairs Officer Tel: (020) 7627 9154
Notes to editors:
The British Beer & Pub Association is the UK’s leading organisation representing the brewing and pub sector. Its members account for 96 per cent of the beer brewed in the UK and own half of Britain’s 50,000 pubs.
UK beer duty – key facts:
· The beer and pub sector supports over 900,000 jobs, 46 per cent of which are held by 16-24 year olds.
· Beer and pubs contribute £22 billion to UK GDP and generate £12 billion in total tax revenue.
· 82 per cent of the beer sold in Britain is made here in Britain.
· 1 job in brewing generates 1 job in agriculture, 1 in the supply chain, 1 in retailing and 18 in pubs.
· From 2008 to 2013, beer tax increased by 42 per cent, with beer sales down 21 per cent, 7,000 pubs closing, and 58,000 UK jobs lost.
Neil Williams
Head of Media
British Beer & Pub Association
020 7627 9156
07974 249 779