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Written question asked by Navendu Mishra (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 April 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 23 April 2026. It was answered by Kate Dearden (Labour) on Tuesday, 28 April 2026 on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade.

Beer: Government Assistance

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what his Department is doing to support independent breweries in England.

Answer

The Government fully recognises the importance of independent breweries and pubs. We are committed to maintaining a beer and pub sector that is diverse, competitive and rooted in local communities, supporting jobs, investment and growth across towns and villages.

We have conducted a review of the beer market to determine whether there are any structural barriers preventing small breweries from accessing pubs, I am currently considering the findings of this review alongside hearing evidence directly from industry stakeholders and representative bodies with whom I am meeting over the next month. This includes meeting with small brewery owners and representatives from the Society of Independent Brewers.

Additionally, Small Producer Relief (SPR) supports smaller producers by allowing those producing up to 4,500 hectolitres a year to pay reduced duty on products below 8.5% ABV. At Budget 2025, the Government increased the cash discount for small producers, maintaining the value of SPR relative to main duty rates.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
128755
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Beer Government assistance
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk