Stirling MP Alyn Smith and MSP Bruce Crawford have written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, following confirmation from the UK government that they intend to change the eligibility criteria for duty relief for beer breweries.

Currently, small breweries which produce less than 5,000 hectolitres (hl) per year are eligible for a 50% discount. Under new proposals, this will change to less than 2,100 hl, cutting out around 150 microbreweries across the UK.

Alyn Smith said:

“This is not the time to be cutting support to businesses. Breweries, like any business, need the flexibility and the knowledge that they can potentially grow their production and know that they won’t be hammered for tax.

“The Chancellor has the opportunity to put measures in place which will support businesses, that is why Bruce Crawford and I have written to Rishi Sunak, calling on him to reverse the UK government’s direction on this.”

Bruce Crawford added:

“The food and drink sector is a crucial part of the Stirling area’s economy and identity. A number of local microbreweries operate here, and these businesses need the security of knowing that government support will not be ripped away from them. I sincerely hope the Chancellor will change his mind on this.”

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