Author: Bob

CAMRA responds to the decision to extend COVID rules for takeaway pints

Commenting on the Government’s decision to extend COVID rules for takeaway pints, CAMRA Chief Executive Tom Stainer said: 

“It’s a good sign that the Government has listened and decided to backtrack on their plans to end the automatic permission for pubs to make off-sales. We hope that they have also been listening very carefully to the trade and consumers, who are also calling for a relaxation of the new tax rules around draught takeaway sales, which restrict many publicans from selling takeaway beer and cider regardless of whether their license allows them to do so. This is because the new rules force them to buy separate containers of draught beers and ciders, with a higher rate of duty paid on them if they want to sell them for takeaway. We are hopeful that the Government will remove these unnecessary restrictions soon.”

Thousands of pubs could face extinction 

In 2017 CAMRA helped win landmark planning protection for pubs in England, but this is under threat from a new Government proposal that would give permitted development rights for vacant high street pubs. High Street Rental Auction proposals could see developers convert high street pubs, with no way for communities to have their say. Email your MP today and ask them to stand up for high street pubs.

£2 bus fare extension good news for pubs

Government’s decision to extend cheaper bus fares in England will help keep pub-going affordable 

Speaking after the Department for Transport announced an extension to the capped £2 single journey bus fare in England until the end of October, CAMRA Chairman Nik Antona commented: 

“£2 bus fares have helped to make getting to and from the pub more affordable. At a time when the beer and pub trade needs as much support as it can get, the decision to extend the cheap fares scheme until the end of October is undoubtedly good news. 

“Our local pubs, social clubs, breweries and cider producers are vital parts of community life up and down the country. That’s why CAMRA’s Summer of Pub campaign is encouraging as many people as possible to head down to their local this summer to enjoy the community spirit that only a pint of real ale or cider down the pub can bring. 

“We hope that the extended £2 bus fare scheme will help more people to support their locals over the next few months in an affordable and environmentally friendly way.” 

The Tap is Finally Turned Off

After a major renovation, The Vine Inn on Newland Street West re-opened in December 2013 as the West End Tap. When father and son team, Nigel and Lewis De-la-Hey bought the street-corner local from Punch Taverns, they found it in a neglected state. Extensive works gave the pub a fresh, contemporary look, designed to appeal to students as well as other locals.
With five handpumps on the bar, the West End Tap offered an interesting and ever-changing range of real ales. Keg beers from global brewers were available from dispensers on the bar, while the four taps built into the wall were reserved for more interesting Belgian and US craft beers.
As one of the genuine free houses in the city, the pub had a significant commercial advantage over other establishments. The quality of the pub and its beers were recognised when it earned a place in CAMRA’s “Good Beer Guide 2016”.
In an area where there is sometimes tension between students and other residents, the West End Tap generated community cohesion and social interaction. It improved the “liveability” of the area and made a positive contribution to social wellbeing. It also provided employment opportunities. There is no doubt that the West End Tap was an important community facility.
Unfortunately, the West End Tap did not re-open after the COVID lock-downs and, in July 2021, the owners applied to convert the pub into dwellings, claiming that the business was no longer viable. In response, local residents set up the “Keep the Tap Running” group, arguing that the business was an important and viable community venue and that its loss would have a negative impact on the area. The pub was registered as an Asset of Community Value and, in April 2022, Lincoln City Council rejected the planning application.
The campaigners were delighted but their joy was short-lived. The owners appealed against the decision and, in March 2023, The Planning Inspectorate overturned the City Council’s decision and granted permission for the change of use.
Before the decision had been made, Marianne Langley, secretary of the Keep the Tap Running group, had submitted a paper to the City Council arguing that the Council’s pub protection policies were not fit for purpose and that urgent action was needed to provide stronger protection. The Planning Inspectorate’s reasons for allowing the appeal add weight to Marianne’s argument.
In a note to the Council following the decision, Marianne stated that, “Our pub protection policy MUST be improved if we are to have any chance of safeguarding these community assets going forward. I am deeply committed to this and will help in any way possible to bring about this much needed change.”

Tax reforms brilliant news for small brewers and cider makers, but changes needed to avoid a stealth ban on takeaway pints

Nik Antona, CAMRA National Chairman, has responded to the publication of details on reforms to the Alcohol Duty System, coming into force on 1 August 2023.

On the new draught duty rate for beer and cider:

“CAMRA has campaigned for many years to secure a draught duty rate, and we are pleased that this has come to fruition. We particularly welcome the confirmation that traditional gravity dispense will be captured within the new, lower, duty rate.

“With the Chancellor extending the differential between the general and draught duty rates to 9.2% in the Budget, we look forward to campaigning to further increase that differential to the benefit of pubs, social clubs, and consumers.”

On the new Small Producer Relief Scheme:

“Small brewers and cider makers will be pleased to see the details of the new Small Producer Relief Scheme, so that they can start planning for the future.

“With stubbornly high inflation and the impending cliff-edge drop-off in energy bill support, small producers need more help than ever to compete with the purchasing power and economies of scale enjoyed by the global producers that dominate the UK beer and cider market.

“Small cider makers will also benefit from a progressive duty system for the first time ever, supporting them to grow and increase choice of artisanal ciders for consumers.”

On the announcement that decanting from draught-duty paid containers for consumption off the premises will be prohibited:

“Despite our formal representations and extensive engagement with the Treasury, a workable solution to allow pubs and social clubs to make incidental takeaway draught sales has not been found. It’s good that specialist bottle shops will be able to buy casks and kegs with the general duty rate paid on them to make takeaway sales, but most publicans – who the draught duty rate is designed to benefit – won’t be able to afford or accommodate extra draught containers just to make takeaway sales.

“This, if implemented, will equate to a stealth ban on takeaway pints and is extremely disappointing for licensees and consumers, and especially designated drivers that like to take away a pint or two to enjoy responsibly at home. We will continue to campaign for a workable solution.”

On the confirmation that the reforms will apply in Northern Ireland:

“We are pleased to see confirmation that the reforms will apply to Northern Ireland, including the Small Producer Relief Scheme. Northern Ireland has a growing independent small beer and cider scene, and those producers need to be supported in their quest to increase choice for consumers.”

11p draught duty cut welcome but lack of energy bill help will see communities lose local pubs and social clubs

Responding to the Budget, CAMRA Chairman Nik Antona said: 

“The Chancellor has made a welcome move to increase the draught duty rate discount to 11p, which will help pubs compete with the likes of supermarket alcohol. However, the lower tax rate is not coming until August, and we must hope that as many pubs as possible will be able to keep their doors open until then.  

 “With many parts of the licensed trade struggling to make ends meet, and consumers tightening their belts, hikes in general duty rates are the last thing breweries need, so it’s right that general duty rates have been frozen until the new system is introduced.  

 “With support for energy bills being extended for households, licensees will be devastated to hear that help for them will end on 1 April. This was a make-or-break Budget for pubs and social clubs, and the future of many businesses is now at risk, with an imminent cliff edge in support and rocketing energy costs on top of the other pressures facing the licensed trade. Communities will lose their local pubs because energy support is ending. 

 “It is also bitterly disappointing not to see the extension of help for pubs and breweries with the burden of business rates. With current support schemes due to end in 2024, these rates bills can be the difference between continuing to trade or having to close for good. The Government urgently needs to reform the whole business rates system to fix the issues with this unfair system and help to protect our pubs.”  

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