Commenting on government’s recently published fee estimates as part of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), CAMRA Real Ale, Cider & Perry Campaigns Director Gillian Hough said:
“CAMRA supports the principles of the Extended Producer Responsibility and its potential benefits to the environment, however, a tax on bottles used for beer and cider needs careful implementation to ensure that independent producers and consumers aren’t the ones paying the price.
“The industry has awaited clarity on the requirements of EPR for a long time, and while having these latest estimates will help brewers and cider makers plan for the future, the costs in current proposals are simply too high.
“It’s positive that the scheme already makes some distinction between large and small producers, but Government needs to urgently rethink the burden it is placing on the industry – particularly on independent brewers who are so crucial for consumer choice.
“Glass bottles are some of the most commonly recycled items in circulation, so the estimated £212m price tag for this packaging feels hugely disproportionate, especially given the sectors already high overall tax bill and recent shocks from fluctuating energy costs, the growing cost of goods and the ever-lingering shadow of the pandemic.
“I urge DEFRA to meet with industry, hear the concerns of brewers, cider makers and consumers, and rethink their proposals.”
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Notes to editors:
CAMRA, along with the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), Independent Family Brewers of Britain (IFBB), and Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA) have signed a letter to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Rt Hon Steve Reed MP, to warn of impacts this tax could have on the pub and brewing industries and customers, urging a review of these regulations.
