A campaign victory in the latest Budget will give Carlisle's pubs a boost.
The Labour MP for Carlisle, Julie Minns, had previously requested the business minister to consider more tax relief for beer and cider during a Parliamentary debate.
Now, in the first Labour Budget for 14 years, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced that the value of Draught Relief will go up to 13.9 per cent for qualifying beer and cider products.
This measure reduces duty bills by more than £85 million a year, cutting duty on an average strength pint by a penny.
Ms Minns said: "I am delighted that local pubs will benefit from the increase in Draught Relief."
"I’ve said before that local pubs and breweries form part of the beating heart of our communities - and this added support will make a world of difference for these vital businesses."
A large number of pubs across Carlisle and North Cumbria are tied-houses, meaning they are required to buy most or all of their products from the large breweries that own them.
The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) wants the Pub Code to include a ‘guest beer right’, which would allow every pub to serve at least one beer from a small local brewery.
This would help community pubs attract more business and help local breweries - such as Great Corby Brewhouse, Carlisle Brewing Company, West Walls Brewing Co, and the Old Vicarage Brewery in Walton - get their products into local pubs more easily.
As part of the Budget, the government has announced it will consult on ways to encourage small brewers to retain and expand their access to UK pubs, maximising drinkers’ choice and local economies, including through provisions to allow more guest beers.
Ms Minns said: "I’d love to see more of our amazing local beers available in the area it is brewed.
"That means getting tied pubs to sell products from nearby independent breweries."
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