Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb has rallied support for the Make it 20% campaign to increase the Draught Relief offered in the chancellor’s Spring Budget from its current 9.2 per cent to 20.

The relief, introduced last year, applies a lower rate of alcohol duty on beer served in pubs compared to supermarkets, and increases aims to encourage more people to use their local.

The MP’s endorsement comes amid growing pressure on the brewing and pub industry caused by rising energy costs.

Crabb said: “Our independent Pembrokeshire breweries like Bluestone Brewing Company, Old Farm House and Harbwr breweries, and local pubs are a key part of the community. I’m proud of the contribution they make to the economy in Pembrokeshire.

”At a time when the brewing and pub sector is under enormous pressure it is right that the government considers what it can do to help and increasing Draught Relief to 20 per cent would give it the boost it needs.”

The Make it 20% campaign is supported by CAMRA, SIBA (Society of Independent Brewers) and the IFBB (Independent Family Brewers of Britain. The group organised a recent parliamentary event involving MPs, brewers and industry specialists.

SIBA chief executive Andy Slee praised the Draught Relief as a “gamechanger for the brewing and pubs sector” and hoped the chancellor will consider increasing it in his upcoming budget.

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

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

Pictured, from left, SIBA head of public affairs Barry Watts, Stephen Crabb MP, CAMRA chief executive Tom Stainer and Andy Slee