Trade bodies have welcomed changes to the UK’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, which could cut the costs associated with glass waste by up to an estimated 40 per cent.
Under the proposals easy-to-recycle materials such as glass and paper would see lower fees, while materials that are harder to process, like plastic, would cost more.
However, CAMRA is concerned costs would be passed onto pubgoers.
CAMRA pub and club campaigns director Joe Crawford said: “The EPR scheme is a significant worry for pubs and consumers as it is specifically designed for the costs to be passed on to drinkers at a time when pubgoers are finding it more difficult to afford a pint and support their local.
“Unless pubs are given an exemption then they will have to pay twice, once through their existing business waste collection arrangements and again through the additional costs passed on by producers under EPR. This is guaranteed to push up prices for consumers and places more financial burdens on beer and pub businesses. The government should recognise the contributions pubs make to the economy and reconsider this decision before we lose any more.”
British Beer and Pub Association chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “Across the beer and pub sector there will be much relief that the government will reduce the costs of glass packaging fees and is also seeking to end the pernicious double charging that has been unfairly affecting Britain’s cherished pubs.
“The direction of travel will be warmly welcomed, but it is essential that the long-term cumulative impact of the UK’s packaging policies are taken into consideration if we are to have a prosperous beer and pub sector in every post code. These measures could reduce cost pressures on Britain’s brewers by tens of millions.
“However, it is vital that the 12,000 publicans that run leased and tenanted pubs as SMEs [small and medium-sized enterprise] are also be included, as otherwise over a quarter of Britain’s pubs will not equally benefit from this important change. We look forward to working closely with government in building on these important changes which are clear signal of intent to reduce the costs of doing business for brewers and pubs which sit at the heart of local communities throughout the country."
