Welcoming the announcement today, Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of both the British Beer & Pub Association and Scottish Beer & Pub Association, said:
“This announcement today is much welcomed by Scotland’s brewers who have been amongst the hardest hit by the pandemic and it’s encouraging that Government are listening to our concerns and those of our members. The closure of pubs and other hospitality venues for large parts of last year and stretching into this year has been devastating to the sector.
“This Scottish Government support package, whilst not replacing lost income, will help provide a bridge to the other side of the pandemic for many of our fantastic, world-leading producers who have been responsible for a brewing renaissance in Scotland over the last decade. It is recognition of the important contribution Scottish brewers make to the economy, jobs and culture.
“Scotland’s brewers will now be looking towards the Chancellor’s budget in March, where a reduction to beer duty and extension of the cut in VAT to include alcohol is vital to their continued operation. We hope that the UK Government also looks to replicate the support given to Scotland’s brewers to those across the rest of the UK.”
Ends.
Press release from the Scottish Beer & Pub Association
Contact: ptogneri@beerandpub.com | 07502 159 101