The government’s “fiscal event” earlier this month might be much derided by the financial markets, but it contained good news for fans and makers of beer and cider.

The planned inflationary increases in duty for rates for beer, wine, cider and spirits have all been cancelled as part of the mini-budget plans announced.

Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng also confirmed that the lower rate for draught beer and cider sold in pubs and clubs will be implemented next year, a move campaigned for by CAMRA.

HM Treasury estimated this would save 7p on a pint of beer and 4p on cider.

CAMRA national chairman Nik Antona said the alcohol duty announcements are a victory for pubs, small brewers and cider producers.

Nik said the tax system will recognise that beer, cider and perry served in a pub or social club should be taxed at a lower rate to alcohol bought in the likes of supermarkets.

“Crucially, this new lower rate of tax for draught beer and cider will now apply to containers of 20 litres and over and bag-in-box products – and not the larger 40 litre containers originally planned for – meaning smaller breweries, cider producers and pubs can all benefit.

“This ground-breaking policy should help pull consumption into pubs, clubs and taprooms helping to encourage pub-going and keeping our beloved locals viable, alive and thriving.

“We are also delighted to learn that the Treasury will consult on changes to the definition of cider for tax purposes. We will be making the case for all cider to contain at least 50 per cent fresh fruit juice, to ensure that consumers are getting a high-quality product, and to create renewed demand for acres of orchards that are currently being wound down at detriment to our natural environment.”

Speaking about the crisis of rising costs for the beer and pubs sector, he added: “The UK’s world-renowned pubs and breweries pulled out all the stops to survive the pandemic, but thousands face not being able to make ends meet as bills and costs have soared.

“The government’s energy price cap for businesses is very welcome but we believe the business energy support scheme should be extended for a two-year period as quickly as possible to provide certainty for pubs and breweries.

“Ahead of the chancellor’s first full Budget later in the year, CAMRA is continuing to call for changes to the business rates system to stop the unfair burden on pubs and for the chancellor to cut VAT on food and drink for hospitality businesses, as costs for pubs continue to rocket as customers tighten their belts.”