The chairman of a beer campaigning group has hailed the Government’s decision to reduce the cost of a pint by penny as a ‘no brainer’.
“It’s good they realised that as they put the duty up on beer they were getting less money from it because less people were buying. When you combine that with the lack of pubs and loss of jobs it was a no brainer, really.”
CAMRA had pointed out to the Government that beer duty has risen 42% since 2008 and added that 18 pubs a week are closing.
“It’s not a figure that will go to the drinker but if you think there 72 pints in a barrel that will mean one less pound the brewery has to pay out. It’s just that little bit extra. Obviously more would be nice.”
Duty prices for other alcohol, which is mostly imported, will continue at the same annual increase but Mr Wright said this was understandable.
He added: “Most beer drank in this country is made in this country and I think we want to be encouraging the consumption of local produce.”