Outlets across the country are getting behind Drop the Pint Day, on 9th October, to draw attention to the high duty rates the Treasury imposes on British beer.
Venues will be offering pints at prices as if the duty was at Germany’s lower rate — ten times lower than the UK’s. This will be for one day only.
In his forthcoming Budget, the chancellor can cut tax specifically on beer sold in pubs via handpulls and keg taps. So-called draught relief is currently set at a 13.9% reduced rate. Independent brewers believe that boosting this relief could create jobs, help grow the economy, and give a boost to pubs and breweries across the UK.
Among the venues taking part in Drop the Pint Day is Mason Brewing Co’s taproom, in Threemilestone, Cornwall. Owner Mike Mason will be offering pints of the German-style lager Alpenglow at the lower price on a first-come, first-served basis.
“The tax we pay on pub beer is way too high and one of the highest in Europe,” said mason. “The chancellor has the power to Drop the Tap Tax in his Budget and help secure the future of our small breweries and community pubs.
“To highlight the potential benefits of lower tax, we’ll be offering pints of Alpenglow at the much lower German tax rates on Friday so come and help us Drop the Pint and send a clear message to the chancellor.”
The Drop the Tap Tax campaign is led by the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA), which acts as the voice for independent brewers in the UK.
