Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association has today responded to the latest ONS inflation statistics, which shows its has climbed to 30-year high of 5.5%.
Emma McClarkin (pictured) said, “The inflation figures published today by the ONS highlight further steep financial challenges the pub and brewing sector are facing following another devastating winter.
'Rising inflation coincides with the sector experiencing record levels of debt and facing increased costs across the board from energy through to raw materials, as well as supply chain difficulties.
“We are urging the Government to heed the calls of our Long Live The Local campaign that seeks to support the sector for the long term by extending the current lower level of VAT, lowering beer duty, and introduce business rates reform that reduces the disproportionate burden paid by pubs to help them recover and fire on the UK economy.”