Carlisle’s MP is backing moves to support independent breweries.
Julie Minns asked business minister Jonathan Reynolds to look at how pub tenants may be given the freedom to buy products from local smaller breweries and explore tax relief on beer and cider.
Speaking in a Parliamentary debate about pubs and the hospitality sector, Ms Minns raised the Society of Independent Brewers’ campaign to introduce an amendment to the Pub Code, the guest beer right, which would allow every pub to serve at least one beer from a small local brewery – helping community pubs attract more business.
When Carlisle’s state management scheme ended in 1973, pubs were sold off in lots. Because of this, a large number of the city’s pubs are tied houses, meaning they are required to buy most or all of their products from the large breweries that own them.
The amendment would also mean local breweries – such as Great Corby Brewhouse, Carlisle Brewing Company, West Walls Brewing Co., and the Old Vicarage Brewery in Walton – would find getting their products into local pubs easier.
“Community pubs and breweries form part of the beating heart of our communities – providing a space for social gatherings and events in an increasingly isolated world,” Ms Minns said.
“But these vital businesses are still feeling the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the energy crisis and the cost of living crisis, and need support.
“I therefore want to explore every option we have to help support community pubs.
“I’d love to see more of our amazing local beers available in the area it is brewed. That means getting tied pubs to sell products from nearby independent breweries.
Ms Minns also took the opportunity to ask ministers to consider increasing the draught relief to 20%, to support independent breweries and provide a boost to the UK economy.
Currently, alcoholic drinks such as beer, cider and mead less than 8.5% ABV, and packaged in containers greater than 20 litres, qualify for a tax discount of 9.2%.
Research from the Society of Independent Brewers shows increasing the relief would create an extra 2,251 jobs, 20 million more pints sold and £70 million for the economy, with an increased contribution of £39 million to the Treasury.
