Ben Everitt, the MP for Milton Keynes North, has thrown his weight behind a campaign to support independent brewers and community pubs in Milton Keynes.
Ben supported a Parliamentary event recently calling for the new draught beer duty rate to be extended to include smaller casks and kegs – containers more likely to be used by small independent breweries.
The event was organised by the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), and enabled Members of Parliament to engage with the views of local brewers and industry specialists to discuss new plans for the way that the government taxes beer.
At the Budget last year the Chancellor announced that beer sold in pubs would pay 5% less beer duty next year but this only applied to larger containers over 40 litres in size. Independent brewers and community pubs often use smaller 20 and 30 litre casks and kegs and are concerned they will lose out.
To ensure that independent brewers and community pubs don’t miss out on the benefits of this new beer duty system [Name of MP] has pledged to support SIBA’s ‘make it 20’ campaign, to include smaller containers in the design of the new beer duty.
Ben Everitt MP commented: "We have some fantastic independent brewers right here in Milton Keynes and I’m proud of the contribution that independent brewers and community pubs in MK make to our local economy.
“It’s only right that the new draught duty offers a fair and level playing field for our outstanding independent brewers to compete with bigger brewers. That’s why I’m supporting SIBA’s ‘make it 20’ campaign, and doing all I can in Parliament to stand up for independent beer.”
Roy Allkin, Chairman of SIBA commented: “I’m grateful to MPs for supporting local independent brewers and giving their backing to the Make It 20 campaign.
“We know that the Chancellor will introduce a lower rate of duty on draught beer and this is really good news for the brewing, pub and wider hospitality sector, but it’s important that he gets the design of this new system right, and applies the new lower rate to 20 and 30 litre casks and kegs. Small breweries should not be put at a disadvantage, so MP support for our make it 20 campaign is hugely appreciated”.
