Phil Whitehead, managing director for Western Europe at Molson Coors Beverage Company, said:
“While a third national lockdown is evidently necessary to keep people safe, the needless ban on alcohol takeaway sales is another devastating blow for pubs, bars and restaurants that impinges their ability to keep their businesses running.
“The next few months are going to be incredibly difficult for the hospitality sector and the government’s newly announced grant funding provides a much-needed lifeline. But this support must be extended, beyond just the frontline venues, to the vital supply chain they depend on.
“The UK brewing industry is the envy of the world because of its unrivalled variety – from large brewers offering household name brands to the thousands of craft and micro-breweries that make the sector such a rich tapestry. The pub and brewing sector employs almost 1 million people and plays a vital role in communities across the country, but unless action is taken committing to an extension of the 5% VAT rate to all drinks sold in pubs as well reducing beer duty rate, we risk losing large swathes of this essential ingredient of Britain’s unique hospitality culture.”
Press release from Citypress on behalf of Molson Coors
Contact: rebecca.hart@citypress.co.uk