Halving energy bill help puts UK’s thriving beer scene at risk: CAMRA

Commenting on reports that help with energy bills for hospitality businesses will continue until 2024 but only at half the current rate, CAMRA chairman Nik Antona said:

“The prospect of energy bills massively increasing from April this year will be extremely worrying for hospitality businesses – particularly community pubs, social clubs and small breweries and cider producers that are vital for consumer choice and a thriving beer scene.

“The cost of goods and employing staff continues to rocket and customers are tightening their belts. Many businesses wonder how they will be able to turn a profit if energy bill support is halved.

“If this cut is announced next week, then the Chancellor’s Budget in March will need to provide extra support for hospitality businesses if we are to avoid the nation’s beloved pubs and breweries facing the threat of permanent closure.  

“It will be vital that venues get more help with the burden of business rates – and for the new, lower rate of duty charged on draught beer and cider to be introduced as quickly as possible to help pubs and small, independent breweries compete with the likes of supermarket alcohol.”