Nottingham pubs cut pint prices amid calls for lower beer tax
The Vat and Fiddle is among pubs across the UK taking part in Drop the Pint Day ahead of the Chancellor's next Budget
Pubs across Nottingham are cutting the price of selected beers today as part of a campaign calling for lower tax on pub beer.
The Drop the Pint Day campaign is taking place at pubs, breweries and taprooms across the UK ahead of the Chancellor’s Budget later this month.
Participating venues are selling beer using Germany’s lower beer tax rate for the day, to highlight the difference in tax paid on beer between the two countries.
In Nottingham, the Vat and Fiddle is taking 50p off a pint of its Harvest Pale Ale.
The pub’s supervisor, Chris Castello-Cortes, says reducing beer tax could help pubs facing rising costs.
"It's really important to keep these places alive, and doing that by dropping the tax is an important thing."
The campaign has been organised by the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA), which represents independent breweries and beer businesses.
SIBA says the UK has one of the highest rates of tax on pub beer in Europe and is calling on the Government to reduce beer duty.
The campaign comes as the pub and hospitality industry awaits the Chancellor’s Budget later this month.
Chris says the tax burden is an important issue for pubs trying to remain open and continue serving their local communities.
"Pubs have always been, and always will be, a massive centre of social and economic value. By dropping the tax on beer, we'll be able to keep these places open."