Dear Jeremy and Grant,

URGENT – crisis facing small brewers – please act to stop further closures

We are extremely concerned by the recent and ongoing spate of small brewery closures and we urge you to take action, to stop the decimation of the independent brewing sector, currently suffering from the astronomical level of energy bills, the cost-of-living crisis and inadequate and poorly targeted support from Government. There have now been over 80 small independent brewery closures this year, which is unprecedented.

Given all the pressures that they face, it is sadly no surprise that small breweries are shutting their doors; but it is surprising that the UK Government – with a stated aim to ‘level-up’ and deliver growth – is turning its back on this growth industry and doing nothing to help preserve these pillars of national character. The view amongst brewers (and publicans) is that the Government seems happy to watch these important small businesses struggle and fail. Like pubs, our small breweries are an intrinsic part of the fabric and culture of our nation, besides being a key partner for pubs and bars that want to showcase local produce.