“The extension of the furlough scheme, additional grants, business rates relief, and 5% VAT rate are a vital lifeline for the beer and pub sector, with the vast majority of pubs being unable to open viably until after 21st June.
“A beer duty freeze also provides welcome short-term support. However, when we are finally able to enjoy a pint with friends in our favourite local, we will still be suffering the impact of a beer duty which is 11 times higher than in Spain and Germany and three times the EU average.
“Introducing an Alcohol Duty system that levels the playing field for British brewers as part of the Alcohol Duty Review, as well as long-term reform of the business rates system, is an essential part of the longer-term structural support needed to give business owners, including brewers and pub operators of all sizes, the confidence and stability to invest for the future.
“We are grateful for the short-term support to bridge the gap to reopening, but we will need this longer-term structural change to rebuild, grow and help drive the UK’s social and economic recovery. Pubs are at the heart of our communities, and integral to the fabric of the UK. With the right backing our sector can be an important part of the solution, supporting thousands of jobs and acting as a catalyst for growth in towns, high streets and city centres in every part of the country.”
ENDS
Press release from City Press on behalf of Molson Coors
Contact: Thomas Milner, thomas.milner@citypress.co.uk