Pubs and breweries call for support in upcoming Spring Statement

Pubs and breweries are among hospitality sector businesses calling on the Chancellor to announce measures to support their recovery after the pandemic in his upcoming Spring Statement.

The Long Live the Local campaign, backed by the British Beer and Pub Association, is asking for an extension of measures that have helped protect the sector since the start of the pandemic. Among their pleas are an extension of the lower level of VAT for food and drink sold in pubs, a reduction business rates, and a reduction or freeze of Beer Duty as part of changes to alcohol duty to support beer as a lower-ABV and British-made product.

Nearly 2000 UK pubs having sadly called time for good since the start of the pandemic, with the hospitality sector among the worst affected by closures and restrictions to trading on public health grounds.

The Long Live the Local campaign is arguing that removing financial support for pubs jeopardises their recovery, and instead calls for the government to allow them to thrive in the coming years to help create more connected and vibrant communities, as well as job opportunities in pubs and breweries up and down the country.

To support the campaign, Long Live the Local have also created a short video to highlight the role pubs play in our communities, particularly at a time when the last two years have reminded all of us what is missed when social lives are restricted: for many, the pub is at the heart of that.

William Robinson, joint managing director of Stockport-based Robinsons Brewery is among those calling on everyone to support the campaign; he said:

“Pubs are a unique and important asset in our communities across the country. I’d encourage everyone to support the Long Live the Local campaign and protect the future of the sector and the part they play in bringing us together.

“Covid hit our industry hard and we, like many in the hospitality sector, are still in recovery.

“Writing a letter to your local MP or signing the petition in support of the campaign will ensure pubs are not forgotten and hopefully the Chancellor will consider supporting them to support local communities in his Spring Statement next week.”

So far, over 80,000 people have lent their support to the Long Live the Local campaign – you can add your name to Long Live the Local’s petition via their website or write directly to you MP to encourage them to back further support for Britain’s pubs and breweries.

UKHospitality, representing the wider is sector is also calling for the government to retain the reduced 12.5% VAT rate for hospitality; CEO Kate Nicholls said:

“After two extremely challenging years and, with the unfolding cost-of-living crisis, there is now a very strong case for the Government to use the next Budget to deliver the vital support that these surviving and indebted businesses need, to protect jobs and defend the current fragile recovery.

“Holding VAT at 12.5% will provide vital support for thousands of small, local, community businesses. It will protect jobs at a pivotal moment for the recovery.

“This research shows that our guests are feeling the pinch and that is hugely concerning for an industry and its workforce that are reliant on discretionary spending.  Extending the existing VAT rate of 12.5% will help hospitality operators to hold down their prices, secure jobs and will help keep a lid on inflation.”