SIBA publishes ‘manifesto for British beer’

The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) has launched its “manifesto for British beer” calling on prospective parliamentary candidates (PPCs) to pledge their support to the Great British beer industry.

Candidates are being asked to sign up to the manifesto pledging support to four key areas: supporting local brewers; backing community pubs; making beer tax work and maintaining and extending Small Breweries’ Relief.

Small Breweries’ Relief has helped hundreds of brewers set up over the last 13 years, with SIBA calling for the scheme to be extended so more businesses can benefit.

Britain currently has around 1,500 independent brewers with every job created in the brewing industry supporting a further 18 in pubs and three in supply chain industries such as agriculture.

The manifesto also points to the benefits of two successive cuts to beer duty in 2013 and 2014, as it calls for a third historic cut.

Mike Benner, SIBA managing director, said: “The growth of the British brewing sector means there is now at least one brewery in almost every constituency in the country, bringing investment and jobs to the area, creating great beers and supporting local pubs.

“We are urging parliamentary candidates to back our manifesto and show support for our national drink and a great British manufacturing industry, which, with the right support from government, will continue to contribute to wealth and employment across the country.”

SIBA is hosting a reception for local PPCs on Thursday 19 March at its BeerX celebration of British beer in Sheffield.

For more information and to back the manifesto visit siba.co.uk