Covid-19 / 15 March 2021
SBPA reveals devastation to pubs and brewers one year on from first COVID-19 lockdown, reiterates Government must ensure pubs can operate without restrictions as soon as possible One year on from the First Minister ordering the first COVID-19 lockdown, which forced pubs to close, the Scottish Beer & Pub Association has revealed the devastation the nations’ brewers and pubs have faced. The trade association has revealed that 200 pubs are estimated to have been lost forever, 210 million pints in beer sales lost due to a full year of either forced closure, or trading under severe restrictions, and £820 million in trade value wiped out from the sector in beer sales alone. Since the first lockdown in March 2020, pubs and other hospitality businesses have been amongst the hardest hit. They have also faced severe restrictions to their trade during other periods of being “open”, including level restrictions that ultimately forced many to stay shut or open but under conditions that made their trade unviable due to the closing times and other rules. Looking ahead to the First Minister’s expected announcement tomorrow, the SBPA has urged the Scottish Government to give the sector hope by aligning closely to the unlocking plans in England, which indicate that pubs will reopen outdoors from April 12th, followed by indoors from May 17th and with all restrictions lifted by June 21st. Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the Scottish Beer & Pub Association, said: “Our sector has been devastated by COVID-19 and the lockdowns. It has been a year to forget for the Scotland’s pubs and bars. “It is estimated that 200 pubs have been lost forever. 210 million pints in beer sales have also been missed, wiping out £820 million in trade value from the sector. “Sadly, we still haven’t seen the full extent of the damage yet and won't do for some time until things really do go back to normal. And by normal, I mean a return to what life was like pre-covid. “Whilst we continue to assess the full damage to our sector, I urge the First Minister to give our businesses the hope that they desperately need by providing a viable route out of lockdown tomorrow. The previously levels were entirely unviable for the majority of hospitality businesses, and they are desperately hoping for a more straight-forward approach to unlocking this time. “We also hope the Scottish Government will look at providing more support for our wet-led community pubs who, although grateful for all the support they received, will not benefit from the VAT cut to food in the same way restaurants will. Local wet-led pubs have been amongst the worst affected by the virus so it's important the Government goes that little bit further for them. “It is becoming all the clearer that the Government must ensure all our pubs are fully re-opened as early as safely possible. This is when their recovery will really start and until then we stand to lose more pubs and community assets.”
Read more15 November 2018
Commenting on the Gambling Commission’s study announced today, which found high levels of underage gaming machine play in pubs, Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: “We are committed to keeping the pub a safe and friendly environment for families, so we take these interim findings very seriously. “We have ensured that all of our members are aware of both the BBPA’s and Gambling Commission’s codes of practice and we are already taking steps to develop a social charter for responsible gambling, for use by licensees and pub companies. “However, given the importance of this issue we are seeking urgent meetings with the Gambling Commission and local authorities to ensure appropriate action is taken.”
13 November 2018
Commenting on the announcement from the Department of Health that there will be no changes to the descriptors for low and no alcohol products, Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: “It is bitterly disappointing that the Department of Health has missed this opportunity to give consumers greater clarity when it comes to the labelling of low alcohol beers. “Changing the current definition of ‘alcohol free’ beer from 0.05% ABV to 0.5% ABV – as we suggested during the consultation process – would have brought the UK in line with the rest of Europe and other global markets. This creates the perverse situation whereby beers at 0.5% ABV produced in Europe can be sold in the UK as “alcohol free”, but British brewers brewing at the same strength must label their beer differently. This is discrimination and will create confusion for consumers. “Whilst we have already seen significant growth in the low alcohol beer sector, the Government has failed to implement changes that would enable Britain’s brewers to further innovate and promote lower strength drinks to stimulate this growth further. “A decision by the Australian Government to introduce tax reductions for ‘lighter’ beer has already led to growth of such beers to occupy 25% of the market there. Sadly then, this decision by the UK Government represents a missed opportunity to provide a similar incentive here and gives no encouragement to those seeking to moderate their alcohol consumption. “There is plenty of evidence to show that moderate drinking brings health benefits, and beer, which is typically a low strength form of alcohol, is a great way to enjoy a well-earned drink whilst supporting your local pub.”
09 November 2018
Today, the Chancellor visited the historic Fuller’s brewery in advance of announcing the Q3 GDP results. Accompanying the Chancellor was the British Beer & Pub Association’s (BBPA) Chief Executive, Brigid Simmonds OBE and the Chief Executive of Fuller’s, Simon Emeny, who is also Chairman of the BBPA. The visit was a great opportunity for the BBPA to highlight the contribution of the beer and pub sector to the UK economy. The beer and pubs sector comprises 1.2% of the UK’s GDP and contributes £13bn in tax revenue every year. The Chancellor’s decision to freeze beer duty in the Autumn 2017 Budget and a fantastic summer have boosted the sector this year; already the beer industry has paid an extra £120m in duty revenue alone compared to the previous year. The Chancellor once again supported the beer and pub sector in his most recent Budget. His decision to freeze beer duty will save brewers, pubs and pub-goers £110 million. In addition, the Chancellor’s announcement of a cut to business rates for high streets and other small businesses by a third will benefit community pubs by £120 million over the next two years. Increasing the investment allowance to £1 million and capital allowances for new build is a further boost to the sector. Brigid Simmonds OBE, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: “Clearly, the Chancellor listened to the numerous representations from MPs and the 117,000 British pub-goers spurred by the Long Live The Local campaign and announced a Budget which supports brewing and pubs. “Pubs are vital to their local communities, they are also third on the list of things to do for overseas tourists when they visit the UK and yet one in every three pounds spent in a pub goes to the Treasury. Brewing and pubs is a truly British success story, 82% of the beer we drink here is produced in the UK. As a sector we contribute £23 billion to the economy and support 900,000 jobs. We are grateful to the Chancellor for recognising this and for the Government’s support for our sector.” The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, said: “The success story of British brewing was clear to see from my visit to Fuller's in Chiswick today. Pubs are at the heart of so many of our communities and play a vital role in the UK economy. “That’s why I announced a further freeze to beer duty in my Budget, backing British brewers, supporting hard working families and the 900,000 people working in the beer and pub industry. “Landlords across the country also stand to benefit from our plan to help local high streets, which includes reduced business rates and £675 million to improve town centres so they are fit for the future." Simon Emeny, Chief Executive of Fuller’s, said: “We were delighted to welcome the Chancellor and thank him in person for the recent duty freeze. It was also a great opportunity to discuss some of the other issues that impact on a business like Fuller’s including business rates and the importance of being able to access a talented pool of people.”
01 November 2018
Responding to the airport licensing laws consultation, Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive of British Beer & Pub Association, said: “Millions of us enjoy a drink at airports as a relaxing way to start a hard-earned break. Any new measures to tackle the minority of disruptive passengers must therefore be proportionate and not penalise the responsible majority. “This consultation issued by the Home Office today is comprehensive and raises a number of issues that need to be addressed. Although imposing the full Licensing Act on airports may be unnecessary and overly restrictive, there is much more airports and airlines can do to help tackle disruptive passengers. “Best practice training for outlets selling alcohol at airports is an option. I know several airports are already doing this and are seeing a positive impact as a result. “As demonstrated elsewhere in the sector, partnerships are the best way forward. Schemes such as Best Bar None, which promotes responsible management and operation of alcohol licensed premises, could easily be adapted to an airport setting. The BBPA is already working with a number of airports and will continue to do all we can to ensure that alcohol is sold in a responsible way.”
30 October 2018
Responding to the Chancellor’s announcement in the Budget on plans to regenerate the high street, Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive of British Beer & Pub Association, said: “As a member of the Government’s Future High Streets Forum, the BBPA and many others called for this Budget to help high street businesses such as pubs. The Chancellor has certainly delivered for us! “The Chancellor’s announcement to cut business rates for high street and other small businesses by one third for the next two years will no doubt help revitalise town centres and in particular small retail outlets. Pubs, and especially community pubs, will benefit from this to the tune of £120 million over the next two years. “Furthermore, the £675 million Future High Streets Fund will see investment in town centres increase, improving infrastructure and access to high streets. A review of the Use Class Orders could help provide more flexibility for the right mix of residential, retail and hospitality businesses to make local high streets work better. “As a judge of the Great British High Street’s competition, I know that leadership and expert advice is vital to success on the high street. The new High Streets Taskforce will provide hands on support and training for retailers, as well as advice on our digital world to help drive footfall. Many premises will also benefit from the increased investment allowance from £200,000 to £1 million for the next two years. “Due to the unique nature of the sector, pubs of character and individuality, run by operators large or small, can co-exist with well-known high street brands, offering real choice to consumers and vitality and character to individual high streets. A successful leisure and night-time economy is a priority for 74% of councils who responded to a recent survey by the Portman Group. Pubs will without doubt benefit from these measures to help the high street.”
29 October 2018
Responding to the Chancellor’s Budget speech, Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive of British Beer & Pub Association, said: “Pub-goers across the UK will be toasting the Chancellor tonight following his decision to freeze beer duty. This early Christmas present will save brewers, pubs and pub-goers £110 million and secure upwards of 3,000 jobs that would have been lost had beer duty gone up. “Clearly, the Chancellor has listened to the seven in 10 people in the UK who said they’d like to see beer duty cut or frozen in the Budget. Pubs are so important to their local communities and 82% of the beer we drink here is brewed in the UK. “This is a big step in the right direction and a huge help for pubs across the UK that are struggling. I hope we can continue to build on this success in the future and we will continue to celebrate the vital role that local pubs play in communities and highlight the ongoing pressures they face by supporting the Long Live The Local campaign. “The Chancellor’s announcement to cut business rates for high street and other small businesses is also great news for a lot of pubs. This will benefit community pubs by £120 million over the next two years, securing the viability of many locals across the country. We would urge the Chancellor to use the announced Digital Services tax to provide further support for all pubs large and small. “Furthermore, the Chancellor’s decision to announce a review of Small Brewer Relief is most welcome. “The announcement that the contribution by small businesses for the Apprenticeship Levy will decrease from 10% to 5% is also very good news for pubs. Likewise, so is the increase in investment allowance from £200,000 to £1 million. BBPA members invest over £200 million in their pubs each year. “These decisions are particularly welcome in light of the additional cost pressures facing pubs, such as increases in the national minimum wage and the previously announced increase in the climate change levy. “Overall, this has been a great Budget for pubs and pub-goers. Cheers Phil!”