Two of the regions leading breweries are pulling together in
frustration and anger at the duty slapped on a pint of beer and how
it was announced in Wednesday's Budget.
Shropshire's Hobsons Brewery winner of the CAMRA Champion Beer
of Britain 2007 and Wye Valley Brewery recently crowned BBC Best
Drinks producer have condemned the Government's spurious statement
on beer duty which hikes the price of beer by 10p a pint to the
loyal British drinker.
The initial statement by George Osbourne stated that there "will
be no additional increase to alcohol duty rate", was somewhat
misleading, when in fact the "no additional" meant he would not be
cancelling the beer duty escalator he inherited from Labour,
resulting in a 7.2 per cent in beer duty plus VAT added to a price
of a pint.
Hobsons and Wye Valley trade in a rural community supplying a
network of responsible well run public houses which are often at
the heart of the community and a place where alcohol is served in a
controlled environmental. Both breweries are baffled at why the
Government is squeezing our British pubs - don't they form part of
this so-called "Big Society"?
Hobsons Brewery recently collected the SIBA (Society of
Independent Brewers) Best Green Business and Best Overall Business
Award November 2010, receiving recognition for embracing green
technologies and driving a sustainable business. However even a
business acting responsibly and investing in their future is being
kicked by the Government.
Nick Davis Owner of Hobsons Brewery commented "We endeavour at
all times to run and manage an ethical and responsible brewery,
crafting wholesome beers using local ingredients and employing
staff from the local community. This was supposed to be a budget
for growth, which supported British manufacturing, it does none of
this and creates frustration and breeds bitterness".
Vernon Amor Managing Director of Wye Valley Brewery added "This
budget statement is a kick in the teeth for the British Brewing and
pub industries, made worse by the misleading manner in which it was
announced" To quote a former MP Hillaire Belloc:
'When you have lost your inns drown your empty selves, for you
will have lost the last of England'