Beer drinkers, pub-goers and brewers are calling for urgent government action to reduce the effect of crippling energy bills on the sector.

CAMRA and the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) have signed a letter to the chancellor highlighting the challenges which are putting the future of the UK beer industry at risk.

With brewers facing rocketing energy bills, frequent ingredient shortages and price hikes, and consumers unable to afford to support pubs, the organisations are calling on government to step in and tackle the issues.

The closure of small and independent breweries poses a threat to consumer choice and the diversity of high-quality brews which have made the UK’s brewing and beer scene successful in recent years, says the letter to Nadhim Zahawi.

Campaigners are calling for an urgent cap on energy prices for small businesses as well as greater support to go green and reduce their energy needs through grants for renewable technology.

There are also concerns that the far-reaching reforms to alcohol duty will be delayed, including the game-changing draught duty rate which gives a five per cent reduction for beer sold in pubs. Campaigners also want the scheme to include the containers used by smaller breweries such as 20 and 30-litre casks and kegs.

SIBA chairman Roy Allkin said: “With energy bills soaring we are calling on government to back British beer and help independent brewers with an energy price cap for small businesses, and to offer grants and incentives for the many businesses looking to brew with more green energy.

“It is also vital that the government’s plan to tempt people back to the pub with a new discounted draught duty rate is extended to the smaller 20 and 30-litre containers used by small brewers, or risk global lager brands being the only ones who benefit.”

CAMRA national chairman Nik Antona said: “Pub-goers and beer drinkers want to see urgent action from government to make sure that the UK’s best beers, brands and breweries can survive these unprecedented times of rocketing energy and ingredient costs and a dip in consumer confidence.

“With businesses having pulled out all the stops to make it through the pandemic, it would be a travesty if more of our local, small and independent breweries were forced to close due to the crisis with the cost of energy, goods, and doing business.”

The organisations have also asked the government to reflect on new regulations such as the deposit return schemes which will separate the UK’s internal market for beer.