The British Beer & Pub Association has today published a manifesto for Britain’s exit from the European Union, which sets out how the beer and pub sector can be a force for growth and job creation as Britain leaves the EU.

The manifesto urges the Government to strive towards the most competitive tax and regulatory regime in Europe, and help to foster a resurgence in beer exports, more jobs in pubs, and boost the UK tourism industry.

The manifesto sets out a range of specific policy priorities for the beer and pub industry, which include:

• Trading as freely as possible; a free trade deal with the EU as a priority with no tariffs or additional paperwork for beer exports, and the delivery of free trade deals with third countries.

• A favourable tax regime, including a more competitive duty regime that supports exports, changes that support the consumption of lower-strength drinks and support pubs, and reduced VAT on pub meals.

• Attracting skills and labour; no changes to the rights of existing overseas workers in the industry, and a future immigration system that supports the necessary levels of staffing for our sector, which already faces a shortage of pub chefs.

• Effective and proportionate regulation, through the adoption of existing EU laws whilst working with the Government to deliver a more effective and light-touch regulatory regime for the UK in the future.

• Promoting British beer and pubs, through support for exports and tourism, and no changes to overseas visitor visa requirements for two years.

BBPA Chief Executive Brigid Simmonds comments: “Our manifesto sets out how we can meet the challenges of Brexit and make the most of opportunities that will enable our sector to grow, in a post-Brexit Britain.

“We will also be urging the Government to look hard at how to mitigate the effect of high taxes and regulatory burdens, and in particular ensure that there is no rise in beer duty at this critical time.

“Whilst there is certainly a lot more work to be done, our manifesto provides us with a vital framework for the Brexit process that lies ahead.”