The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has published a manifesto outlining its priorities for a thriving beer and pub sector up to 2020. Calling for lower taxes and policies to promote growth and support for partnership and self-regulation, the BBPA plan to make a case for pubs and beers to politicians from all parties leading up to next year’s General Election.
The BBPA have made fairer taxes a priority, calling for further cuts in beer duty; UK beer tax remains disproportionately higher than most European countries. The BBPA also wish to see attempts made to reduce business rates for community and high street pubs, as well as a review on a potential lower rate of VAT on pub and restaurant meals.
As part of its policy to promote a thriving sector, the BBPA also called for a reduction in the regulatory burden, including a moratorium on new licensing regulation. The association also called for pubs to be used as central Wi-Fi hubs, as well as a commitment to the tied pub model as a low cost means of entering the industry for new pub entrepreneurs.
The BBPA is also asking political parties to tackle issues surrounding alcohol harm though industry self-regulation, as opposed to legislation. This would be aided by increased support for voluntary initiatives such as Best Bar None and Pubwatch.
Brigid Simmonds, BBPA Chief Executive, comments, “With the General election just months away, our focus is on persuading politicians that with the right policies, we can have a thriving beer and pub sector serving local communities, and with investment and employment growth. Our manifesto will help us to make a clear and strong case on all these issues, with a further duty cut in the Budget in March 2015 our immediate priority.”