The Government is currently undertaking a review of the alcohol duty system with changes due to come into effect in February 2023. Under current proposals, the duty on draught beer and cider served in pubs will be cut by 5 per cent. However, this will only be applied to alcohol sold in containers of 40 litres or more. Many small producers use 20 litre or 30 litre containers when supplying to pubs or other drinking establishments.

Hackney has many small brewers who sell their alcohol in pubs across the country. The Government’s proposals show a clear lack of understanding about how small brewers operate. It is important that Hackney’s small brewers do not miss out because the Government does not understand this industry.

I also met with the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Helen Whately MP, last October to raise concerns about the impact of these proposals on small brewers. I will continue working closely with small brewers in Hackney to ensure their voices are heard during this process.