CAMRA says government support is vital following the news that Elland brewery is facing liquidation and Adnams is looking for financial support.

CAMRA national chairman Nik Antona said: “To hear that Elland brewery is facing liquidation just six months after its 1872 Porter was crowned CAMRA’s Champion Beer of Britain 2023 [pictured] is a major cause for concern. This, coupled with the reports that Adnams has been working with a management consultancy to explore options to shore up its finances – including the possibility of an injection of private capital – is a one-two punch at the heart of the UK brewing industry.

“The news raises the issue of fair competition, access to market and consumer choice. CAMRA does not want any brewery or cider producer to close their doors for good, be it a contemporary small independent brewer or larger family-owned establishments with decades of history.

“The worrying news that two prestigious, award-winning breweries are both facing pressure to remain trading and survive is indicative of the wider problems the brewing and pub trade are experiencing. CAMRA, along with the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) and the Independent Family Brewers of Britain (IFBB), is calling on the government to increase draught relief to 20 per cent from its current figure of 9.2 per cent in the chancellor’s upcoming Budget.

“Cutting tax specifically on draught beer and cider in pubs would encourage people to support their community local and help secure jobs and businesses in the pub and beer sector – particularly small and independent breweries that sell more of their products into pubs and taprooms.

“CAMRA is encouraging everyone to email their MPs, asking them to support the Make it 20 per cent campaign and call on the government to show its support for pubs, social clubs, breweries and cider producers.”

CAMRA’s online E-lobby can be found here: https://action.camra.org.uk/page/142898/action/1