The Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association has responded to the announcement from the Prime Minister regading Plan B restrictions.
Emma McClarkin said, “The announcement from the Prime Minister today to remove all Plan B restrictions when they expire on 26th January is extremely good news for our pubs and brewers. However, the severity of the impact these measures had on trade during the festive period and into the new year must not be underestimated.
“It is vital the Government now lays out its plan for living with Covid as an endemic disease, this will enable the sector to plan for a strong and sustainable recovery. After yet another setback and numerous false dawns, now is the time to support the sector for the long term with measures that will enable pubs and brewers to thrive as the heartbeats of our local communities and economies.'
McClarkin continued, “We are urging the Government to act now and extend the current lower level of VAT for food and beverages sold in pubs with a view to making this permanent, implement Alcohol Duty Reform proposals that encourages consumption of beer as a lower-strength product, and introduce business rates reform that reduces the disproportionate burden paid by pubs and levels the playing field with online businesses.”