The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has today responded to comments made by Michael Gove, Secretary of State for the Environment, calling for an ‘all-in’ Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).
Michael Gove has pushed the case for an ‘all-in’ DRS, which would be likely to include glass. The BBPA welcomes his comments that more discussion is needed with businesses, but is very concerned that including glass would be too complex and expensive for pubs and brewers alike.
The BBPA has also said a UK-aligned DRS scheme would be the optimal solution, which would avoid two different DRS systems running in parallel between Scotland and the rest of the UK.
Brigid Simmonds, BBPA's Chief Executive, (pictured) said, “The BBPA believes a UK-aligned DRS scheme for single use materials remains the optimal solution.
“We have major concerns over the inclusion of glass in a DRS scheme, which would substantially increase costs that may have to be passed on to consumers. It would also make the system infinitely more complex.
“We remain committed to working with the Government on a Deposit Return Scheme that works for the brewing and pub sectors across the UK. To achieve this, it is essential we are involved in plans to implement the system and more discussions between DEFRA and our sector are needed.”