Gary Timmins, CAMRA’s pub and club campaigns director, says that the Chancellor should consider this a ‘wake-up call’ ahead of the Budget.

In recent years, the rate of pubs lost to conversion or demolition in England has slowed slightly as communities make use of planning protection and the right to have their say on the future of their local.

Yet despite this clear evidence of demand, thousands of licensees — many of whom have run successful businesses for years — are now struggling to pull their pubs from the brink of closure, as record numbers of venues are forced to shut their doors. 

Based on current trends, CAMRA data shows that more than1,200 pubs will likely be shuttered this year, compared to around 1,000 in 2023, and just over 800 in 2022.

While in many cases, new licensees step in to keep the pub open to its community, this rate of churn highlights a deeper problem. In many cases new licensees find themselves battling the same high costs as their predecessors and without meaningful Government action pubs everywhere may be in jeopardy.

“Hardworking licencees who run busy and popular pubs should not be struggling to make ends meet,” said Gary. “The trend in business closures that our data has highlighted is truly shocking, and I hope this is a wake-up call for government ahead of the Budget.

“Without meaningful change to our outdated and unfair tax system, this cycle will likely continue, with more licensees’ businesses failing, higher rates of pubs being shuttered to their communities, and new operators stepping into an increasingly hostile business environment.

“CAMRA has called for a fundamental overhaul of the business rates system, a greater discount on the tax paid on pints at the bar, and a new VAT rate for hospitality.

“Our campaigning relies on as many people as possible taking the time to get involved. With our simple online campaigning tool, it only takes a few minutes to contact your MP, and every email makes a difference.”

Five-point plan

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “Pub closures don’t just hurt landlords, they hurt the local community who rely on them for socialising and jobs.

“During the general election, Labour outlined a five-point plan to support Britain’s pubs and made clear that economic growth was their priority.

“If the public house is to remain a public home, government must keep their word and back a sector that pours billions into the economy, supports more than a million jobs, and is a cornerstone of the community. If pubs are to keep the doors open the Chancellor must cut beer duty, reform business rates, and maintain the vital 75% business rates relief.”

It’s Beer Today’s 20th anniversary this month!
I love updating this site, but it needs more Patreon supporters to survive into the future. Individual supporters are particularly welcome, and there are great options for commercial businesses which involve social media sharing, advertorial opportunities and advertising discounts. Find out more at patreon.com/beertoday.

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Gillian joined CAMRA at the Pig’s Ear Beer Festival in 1984, when she was still a student. Hailing from Northern Ireland, she was inspired by the wide variety and quality on offer at beer and cider festivals in London. 

She has served for more than ten years on CAMRA’s national executive, first from 2003 to 2007, and again since 2018. A previous chair of CAMRA’s books committee, she was also part of CAMRA’s most recent Governance and Beer Styles Review. She will remain CAMRA’s director for real ale, cider, and perry.

“I am delighted to have been appointed as CAMRA’s new vice-chair,” said Gillian. “CAMRA is the consumer voice for cask-conditioned beer, real cider, and perry, and with so many threats to our pub heritage and demands on the money in our pockets, it is vital that consumers unite to make our voice is heard.  

“I am particularly passionate about our campaigning for changes to legislation on provenance and ingredient labelling so consumers have the full story about what’s in their glass. 

“Along with Ash’s election as CAMRA chairman, I believe this heralds an exciting new chapter for us. I look forward to the challenges ahead, and I will continue to listen to voices from across the campaign as I work with my fellow directors to campaign for consumers and the licensed trade.”

Ash said: “I’m so glad that Gill will be taking up the role of vice-chair at what is a really exciting time for the campaign. Her enthusiasm and experience as a campaigner will be invaluable in providing a strong voice for beer drinkers and pubgoers UK.

“We have already been colleagues on the national executive for almost seven years, after both being elected in 2018, and I’m looking forward to working with her more closely. I’m sure she will be a great success in her new role.” 

It’s Beer Today’s 20th anniversary this month!
I love updating this site, but it needs more Patreon supporters to survive into the future. Individual supporters are particularly welcome, and there are great options for commercial businesses which involve social media sharing, advertorial opportunities and advertising discounts. Find out more at patreon.com/beertoday.

The post Gillian Hough appointed vice-chair of CAMRA first appeared on Beer Today.

The post Gillian Hough appointed vice-chair of CAMRA appeared first on Beer Today.

Industry leaders have written to the secretary of state for the environment, Steve Reed MP, to urge a review of these regulations and to sound the alarm around possible unforeseen consequences for brewers, pubs, and customers.  

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), Independent Family Brewers of Britain (IFBB), Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), and Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA) are speaking up on behalf of their members, who collectively contribute billions to the UK economy. 

The proposed new fees will add “eye-watering” additional costs that brewers will be expected to bear from next year, they warn. 

“Our sector has ambitious net zero targets and is committed to a circular economy and working together to achieve this in a sustainable manner,” said Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA.

“However, these suggested fees pose a serious risk of business failure and will could lead to extra cost for the customer, strangle investment and growth which means less jobs, and lead some to make heartbreaking decisions about whether they can keep making their beer.  

“It is critical that government takes a step back to consider the devastating impact this could have on our industry, which plays a vital role for the UK’s economy and employment.  

“We urge them to review these fees and make them fairer and more sustainable, so we can continue to do business.” 

In a letter to the government, trade associations advised that, for 330ml glass bottles, the figures published will add between 3p and 7p on each of the 3.2 billion bottles of beer sold in the UK each year, a cost of up to £212m and with a midpoint estimate of £167m. For heavier 500ml bottles, in which most premium bottled ale is sold, the costs could be up to 9p per bottle.

This is the equivalent of a 8 to 21% beer duty increase on these products and, like beer duty, which is set to rise again in February, will inevitably lead to price increases for consumers and fuel inflation.   

Industry leaders warned that the cumulative impact of the proposed fees could see the end of many of Britain’s much loved bottled ales, dramatically reducing choice and more than wiping out any profit brewers were hoping to achieve in already extremely challenging times.  

Richard Bradbury, managing director of Theakston, said: “We understand the desire to tackle unnecessary packaging waste, but the scale of charges, particularly on glass, and the current plans for implementation could force out our Old Peculier beer and similar brands of the bottled beer market.  

“The glass we use is manufactured in the UK, has a high recycled content, and is then itself far more likely to be recycled through a bottle bank than end up in landfill. We urge DEFRA to take a pause and take the time to work with Britain’s traditional ale breweries to find a better and more affordable solution to a problem that we don’t really think is of our making.”

Nick Mackenzie, chief executive of Greene King, added: “We are committed to playing our part in supporting a more sustainable and circular economy, however these new glass fees would contribute to significantly higher costs for brewers and so it is vital that a solution is found to protect hundreds of years of brewing heritage and maintain choice for customers.

“With the budget coming on 30th October, it is more important than ever to look at how the government can reduce the extremely high costs of doing business for the UK’s pub and brewing sector.”

Gillian Hough, campaigns director at CAMRA, said: “CAMRA supports the principles of the Extended Producer Responsibility and its potential benefits to the environment. However, a tax on bottles used for beer and cider needs careful implementation to ensure that independent producers and consumers aren’t the ones paying the price.

“Industry has awaited clarity on the requirements for EPR for a long time, and while having these latest estimates will help brewers and cider makers plan for the future, the costs in current proposals are simply too high.

“It’s positive that the scheme already makes some distinction between large and small producers, but government needs to urgently rethink the burden it is placing on industry — particularly on independent brewers, who are so crucial for consumer choice.

“Glass bottles are some of the most commonly recycled items in circulation, so the estimated £212m price tag for this packaging feels hugely disproportionate, especially given the sector’s already high overall tax bill and recent shocks from fluctuating energy costs, the growing cost of goods, and the ever-lingering shadow of the pandemic. 

“I urge Defra to meet with industry, hear the concerns of brewers, cider makers and consumers, and rethink their proposals.” 

The post Bottle tax ‘will punish customers and stifle growth’ first appeared on Beer Today.

The post Bottle tax ‘will punish customers and stifle growth’ appeared first on Beer Today.

The Vines, Liverpool, a previous award winner

Held in conjunction with Historic England, the awards champion the highest standards of design in the refurbishment and conservation of existing pubs, as well as recognising newly-built pubs and conversions to pub use.

Judged by a panel of experts in design and conservation, they are an opportunity for owners and communities to showcase the craftmanship they have poured into their pubs. The awards also encourage heritage enthusiasts and pub lovers alike to visit these inspirational buildings. 

“The UK is full of visually stunning pubs, from grand Victorian gin palaces to warm homely street corner locals,” said Andrew Davison, chair of CAMRA’s Pub Design Awards. “All are beautiful in their own way and deserve to be celebrated.

“Every year, the judges are blown away by the submissions for the Pub Design Awards, and I cannot wait to see what is in store for us this time round.

“It is always heartening to witness the sheer effort people will go to protect, refurbish, and repair pubs, whether it be bringing back to life a long-lost historical gem, or a local community coming together refurbish their much-loved pub. It is initiatives like these the keep pubs alive for future generations to enjoy.

“The flair and originality shown in contemporary venues and innovative conversions is of equal value, and a real testament to the determination and workmanship it requires to design a pub from the ground up.”

The Pub Design Awards are open to all UK pubs, and anyone can nominate. Entrants may be asked to provide additional photographs and plans of the building; therefore, the licensee should be aware of and approve the entry. To enter the awards, work will need to have been completed between 1st July, 2023, and 30th June, 2024.

The competition is free to enter and closes on 17th November. To enter and see examples of previous winners, click here.

The post Entries open for CAMRA’s Pub Design Awards first appeared on Beer Today.

The post Entries open for CAMRA’s Pub Design Awards appeared first on Beer Today.

The community interest company are keen to attract interest from both within and beyond the beer industry, from people with a range of business skills, networks, and brand connections.

This year is a bit of a ‘pause and review’ year for Women On Tap CIC. Since the social enterprise was founded in 2017, so much has changed. Securing finance to sustain the organisation on a year-by-year basis has become increasingly difficult.

The new Dea Latis ‘Gender Pint Gap: Revisited’ report presents evidence that things aren’t improving for women in the beer industry.

The organisation now plans to undergo a period of reflection, specifically looking at three key areas:

• Establishing financial resilience to do more and forward plan with confidence;
• Developing impact frameworks;
• Maximising available resource to amplify its mission.

The advisory board role is a voluntary position and all meetings will be held online. This opportunity is open to all, and they encourage anyone who has an interest in what Women On Tap CIC does to put themselves forward.

In particular, the organisation has expressed an interest in those with the following:

• Significant networks in the equality space;
• An influential role and expansive connections in the beer industry;
• Experience scaling social enterprises or non-profits;
• Connections to leading brands and/ or influencers in the UK.

However, they are keen to make clear they aren’t only looking for these things, and being passionate about what they do is enough of a reason to submit an application. This opportunity could provide excellent experience to those who are interested in board positions and would like to see what it’s like before embarking on a full commitment.

While they are mainly looking for people who can advise their reflection and planning process, they would additionally benefit from people who are in a position to be introducers and ambassadors for Women On Tap CIC in networks and circles, and with brands where we can access new opportunities and projects.

The advisory board opportunity asks for a minimum four hours per month for a meeting, and some follow-up support each month.

For full details, and how to apply, visit www.womenontap.co.uk/wotblog/join-our-new-advisory-board.

About Women on Tap CIC

The community interest company are pioneers of initiatives that challenge stereotypes within the male-dominated beer industry by putting brilliant women in the spotlight through a programme of activism, including events, campaigns, and arts commissions.

They collaborate with leading breweries, industry experts, and creatives to compile thought-provoking communications and experiences.

Established in 2017, Women On Tap is a registered trademark and certified social enterprise with one clear message: Women belong in beer.

The post Join the new Women On Tap CIC advisory board first appeared on Beer Today.

The post Join the new Women On Tap CIC advisory board appeared first on Beer Today.

Voters in Manchester will be able to enjoy a pint on the house through the Give An X Get a Pint campaign.

The participating breweries are:

• Sureshot Brewing
• Cloudwater Brew Co
• Manchester Union Brewery
• Northern Monk

To participate, head to your local polling station and cast your vote. Take a photo outside the polling station as proof of your participation. DO NOT take a photo inside the polling station! These could incur a legal fine and will not be valid. Tag the four breweries and post on your socials.

Take your polling card and show your social media post at one of these four venues:

• Sureshot Taproom, 4 Sheffield Street, Manchester M1 2ND
• ·Cloudwater Taproom, Unit 9 Gidding Road, Piccadilly Trading Estate, Manchester M1 2NP
• Manchester Union, available at The New Cross, 6 Cross Keys Street, Manchester M4 5ET
• Northern Monk Refectory, 10 Tariff Street, Manchester M1 2FF

Present your photo to claim your free pint.

The initiative aims to encourage young voters to engage in the democratic process by creating a fun experience and a rewarding way to ensure their voices are heard.

The terms and conditions

The offer is available on polling day only, Thursday, 4th July, while stocks last. Check with stockists for opening hours and availability.

The offer is only available on one chosen product, unless specified in venue by the brewery. One free pint per person, upon presentation of a polling station photo and polling card.

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The post Make your voice heard and support Manchester breweries first appeared on Beer Today.

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Purchasers will be able to choose between The Rovers Return, a stalwart location in Coronation Street, or The Woolpack, at the centre of so much of the drama in Emmerdale.

The representation of pubs on television is vital in a time when the trade is under significant pressure, says the consumer organisation. Its statistics for 2023 show that 194 pubs were lost forever due to conversion or demolition, and some 1,293 pubs closed their doors to their communities. 

“Working with ITV to celebrate the Rovers Return Inn and The Woolpack is a great honour for CAMRA,” said national chairman Nik Antona.

“The pubs and the soaps themselves reflect many of CAMRA’s values, including the importance of community and the preservation of UK culture and traditions. 

“The last few years have been an incredibly difficult time for the industry, and we need more support than ever before to keep our nation’s pubs open and thriving.

“I’d encourage everyone to use this year’s guide to visit the very best pubs across the UK and support them for generations to come.”

The post Soap pubs to adorn the covers of new Good Beer Guide first appeared on Beer Today.

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The group is, appropriately enough, based in the Volunteer Arms, in York, where group chair Paul Crossman is behind the bar.

Even more appropriately, the Volunteer Arms is only still there — and thriving — because of a community campaign to save it. Paul and his then business partner, John, got involved and buying and saving the venue.

“We need more volunteers to help with our campaigning, with letter/email writing, administration, social media, press releases, research, data, finance, IT… You name it, if you have skills (and a little time), we could use them!

“We are specifically looking to increase our team of letter writers who help write letters of objection when pubs are threatened.”

To find out more, email campaign@campaignforpubs.org.uk

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The first minister’s appointment comes soon after the Scottish government’s decision to implement a new statutory Scottish Pubs Code and adjudicator.

CAMRA hopes to build on this long-awaited, but welcome news in a meeting with Mr Swinney, to make sure there is a robust Pubs Code to protect tied pub tenants and to secure pubs at the heart of Scottish communities.

CAMRA’s Scotland director, Stuart McMahon, also wants Mr Swinney to close a planning loophole that allows pubs to be demolished without planning permission. 

And campaigners want to see a commitment from the Scottish government not to bring back draconian plans to ban all alcohol advertisement and sponsorship. 

“We would like to congratulate John Swinney on becoming the first minister of Scotland,” said Stuart. “While we are sure he has a lot on his plate, urgent discussions must be had to ensure a successful future for Scottish pubs.  

“This is why we invite the first minister to a pub of his choice to discuss the various ways in which pub, brewing, and cider-making industries can be improved to ameliorate the pub-going experience for beer and cider consumers. 

“Our priorities for this meeting, and for the Scottish government, will be fairer business rates for pubs, confirmation of a decision to allow alcohol advertising in Scotland, a more secure planning law system, and a muscular, robust Scottish Pubs Code.” 

The post CAMRA seeks talks with new Scottish first minister first appeared on Beer Today.

The post CAMRA seeks talks with new Scottish first minister appeared first on Beer Today.

Laura Hadland. Portrait by Lily Waite

Her nomination spoke of a long list of impressive achievements this year, particularly her commitment to inclusiveness, responsible drinking, and her work championing small producers and venues.

Laura was a key voice in calling national attention to the destruction of the Crooked House through her blog, interviews about pub protection for local radio stations across the country, and on social media. 

The Crooked House case began in August of last year, when the famously wonky 260-year-old pub, near Himley in the West Midlands, was heavily damaged in a fire and then abruptly bulldozed without authorisation by its new owners. Through Laura’s campaigning, more people were made aware of this scandal and in February the owners were ordered to rebuild the pub.

Her nomination also praised her work on her award-winning book, 50 Years of CAMRA, where members’ stories and memories of CAMRA were recorded. The nominator highlighted that this research preserved oral histories which would otherwise have been lost.

The award also recognised her championing of cask beer, introducing it to new audiences through her advocacy, and by hosting beer tastings, including the first ever dedicated cask tasting at Ludlow Slow Food Festival last summer. She is a beer judge at several competitions.

“Laura was the clear winner, even with all the other fantastic nominations this year,” said CAMRA’s campaigning awards director, Laura Emson. “Her campaigning has been a fantastic help in raising awareness for the Crooked House scandal, as well as consistently putting her voice out there via local radio stations to help protect our pubs.”

Laura said: “A huge thank you for bestowing this amazing honour on me. It’s just wonderful how I’ve been welcomed into the CAMRA community.

“Back in 2019, when I first got the commission to write 50 Years of CAMRA, I never expected that my involvement with the organisation would really become so all consuming, but it’s just a huge part of my life now.

“I hope that that we can all keep spreading the good word about cask ale. I think there is loads of great work we can all continue to do, and it’s really, really kind that you’ve recognised the work that I have been doing up until now. I hope that all of you within CAMRA keeps supporting diverse voices, talking about great beer.”

The post Laura Hadland named CAMRA’s campaigner of the year first appeared on Beer Today.

The post Laura Hadland named CAMRA’s campaigner of the year appeared first on Beer Today.