As a result of Richard Holden MP’s hard work fighting for local pubs across his North West Durham constituency, he has been awarded an engraved ‘Champion of Pubs’ beer tankard by the Beer All-Party Parliamentary Group in recognition of his tireless advocacy for the sector.
The support given to pubs throughout the global pandemic has been significant, but there is no denying that the hospitality sector has been hit harder than any other by the pandemic. And so, Richard was pleased that the Chancellor backed his campaign in the run up to the last Budget Day to cut draught beer duty.
The Chancellor also announced a new Draught Relief at the Budget – a lower rate of duty on draught beer and cider – cutting duty by 5 per cent for draught beer and cider bought for trade. These cuts will not only significantly bolster pubs, but also have great knock-on effects for British agriculture and employment, especially for young people.
On beer duty and pubs, Richard comments:
“As someone who frequents the great pubs in my constituency and elsewhere, and who works tirelessly to bring down their prices and help them recover post-pandemic – the awarding of this tankard was a lovely acknowledgement that my hard work is proving fruitful for this vital sector.”
“Pubs are the heart and soul of our communities. That is why I was In addition, the Government also announced it will be simplifying alcohol duty to make the system fairer as a result of leaving the EU. They are also cutting the price of a bottle of English sparkling wine and prosecco by as much as 64 pence. Further, the Treasury will freeze all alcohol duties for the third year in a row, a tax cut worth £500 million every year.
“The Government is also cutting business rates by at least 50 per cent next year for 90 per cent of retail, hospitality and leisure businesses – and freezing all rates. Eligible businesses can claim a 50 per cent discount on their bills, up to a maximum of £110,000. Taken together with Small Business Rates Relief, that is a business tax cut worth £7 billion for over 700,000 eligible businesses – the biggest business rates tax cut in 30 years, and which comes on top of the £16 billion of support the Government provided throughout the pandemic.
“I think everyone will agree that this Government is hugely supportive of the pubs and other drink serving hospitality business. Thank you again for taking the time to contact me, please do not hesitate to do so again.”
