The BBPA (British Beer & Pub Association) has launched a Brexit manifesto that outlines how the beer and pub sector can be a force for growth and job creation during the UK’s split from the EU.
The manifesto urges the government to pursue the most competitive tax and regulatory regime in Europe, and help to foster a resurgence in beer exports, more jobs in pubs, and boost the UK tourism industry.
It sets out a range of specific policy priorities for the beer and pub industry, which include trading as freely as possible, a favourable tax regime, attracting skills and labour and effective regulation.
It states that, while the sector generates £22bn of economic value and supports 900,000 jobs, it also remains highly taxed and “a fairer tax burden and a supportive regulatory framework are vital for the investment needed for the sector to flourish.”
BBPA Chief Executive, Brigid Simmonds, said, “Our manifesto sets out how we can meet the challenges of Brexit and make the most of opportunities that will enable our sector to grow, in a post-Brexit Britain.
“We will also be urging the government to look hard at how to mitigate the effect of high taxes and regulatory burdens, and in particular ensure that there is no rise in beer duty at this critical time.
“Whilst there is certainly a lot more work to be done, our manifesto provides us with a vital framework for the Brexit process that lies ahead.”
The BBPA says its members account for 90% of beer brewed in the UK and own around 20,000 of the nation’s pubs. It was originally founded as the Brewers’ Society in 1904.