The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has called on the five remaining candidates in the Conservative leadership race to support the pub sector.
The industry body has issued all candidates with a mini manifesto comprising a series of measures to save pubs.
The manifesto urges the new leader to rebalance the UK’s alcohol duty system to support pubs and brewers; reduce the tax burden on the hospitality sector; and extend the energy price cap to small businesses and supply to join residential and commercial properties.
The measures are designed to aid the sector to navigate headwinds such as the recent rise in energy prices, which have seen pub energy bills rise by up to 150%, leading only one in three businesses to be profitable in recent months, according to the BBPA.
Record inflation, labour shortages, and disproportionately high tax have also threatened the recovery of the industry, the organisation argued.
CEO Emma McClarkin said: “The Beer and Pub industry showed its resilience, grit and innovation during the pandemic and we welcomed the support measures put in place by the government.
“However, record levels of inflation, lack of access to workforce, soaring energy prices and unfair tax burdens are stifling the recovery of the sector.
“Our sector delivers jobs and huge economic value to every part of the UK and we sit at the heart of our communities, for the sector to recover, it is crucial we get support to help it recover and return to sustainable growth.
“I urge whoever the new Prime Minister is, to follow measures outlined in this manifesto and help pubs and brewers to thrive in coming years.
“Doing so will create more connected and vibrant communities, support jobs and drive local economic growth in every part of the United Kingdom.”
