More needs to be done to support the fantastic breweries and pubs in South Wales East and across the country.
That was the plea from Natasha Asghar MS after she sponsored the Welsh Beer and Pub Association’s State of the Nation report launch in the Welsh Parliament.
The event was an opportunity to highlight the pivotal role pubs and breweries play in supporting communities and the economy and set out the challenges facing the sector.
Industry leaders – including staff from SA Brains and AB InBev – attended the event alongside Members of the Senedd, the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for the Economy Rebecca Evans MS, and the Welsh Beer and Pub Association’s team.
Despite contributing more than £1.5billion to the economy and supporting in excess of 68,000 jobs, Welsh beer and pubs are under immense pressure.
There is a myriad of challenges facing the industry including spiralling costs, higher taxation, the Welsh Government’s decision to slash rate relief from 75% to 40% and the government’s plans to introduce a tourism tax.
The Association’s State of the Nation Report sets out 10 recommendations on how to help the sector flourish, including reducing beer duty, reforming business rates, and supporting green investment.
Natasha Asghar MS said:
“My faith might prevent me from drinking, but that does not for one second mean I do not understand, recognise, and appreciate the mammoth contribution pubs and breweries make not only to our economy, but also our communities.
“Pubs are embedded within the fabric of our communities. They are social anchors, bringing people together from all walks of life and can play a pivotal role in tackling loneliness and isolation.
“Yet despite this, they are facing extreme challenges, and we must do all we can to protect these vital community assets and businesses.
“It was my absolute pleasure to sponsor this event, which will hopefully be the first of many, and I look forward to playing my part in campaigning for improvements.”
Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association said: "It was a privilege to be in the Senedd to launch our State of the Nation report, and to have Natasha's support in doing so.
"For generations, pubs across Wales have been more than just places to enjoy a pint, they have been the beating heart of communities.
"This report shows the challenges facing the sector and is a call on Welsh and UK Government's to support pubs and brewers across Wales so that they can remain the cornerstone of our towns and villages."
