Government urged to offer long-term support

The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has urged the government to provide more longer term support to the sector to save as many as 12,000 pubs from permanent closure as they enter a second lockdown.

The BBPA has also called for the government to use this time to review the effectiveness and necessity of restrictions post lockdown.

The news comes after the House of Commons voted through the legislation confirming that a second lockdown in England will start from today (5 November). It also comes ahead of the chancellor’s further package of support for businesses affected, details of which are to be announced later today.

“As our sector enters this second lockdown, we are fearful for the future,” says Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA (pictured). “It is clear more support is going to be needed so our sector can get over this latest hurdle and the inevitable further hit on consumer confidence. We also call on the government to take this time to review the restrictions on the sector within the tiering measures to ensure they are based on evidence, proportionate and necessary.

“We are encouraged to hear from the prime minister that the chancellor will make a further statement on support. We are hoping this will include business grants in line with those he delivered during the first lockdown, that adequately cover ongoing fixed costs. These must be available to all pubs and delivered quickly.

“We’ll also like the chancellor to recognise the longer term stimulus support we have asked for pubs and breweries. Specifically beer duty cuts, continued VAT reduction and an extension of the business rates holiday. These are critical to enable pubs and brewers to play their vital role in reinvigorating local communities and the national economy.”