Will Forster MP Urges Government to Cut Beer Duty to Support Struggling Pubs and Breweries

Will Forster MP Urges Government to Cut Beer Duty to Support Struggling Pubs and Breweries 

“It’s our duty to reduce beer duty!” says Will Forster, Member of Parliament for Woking.  

Speaking in Parliament on 15^th July, Will Forster, Liberal Democrat MP for Woking, called on the Government to reduce beer duty to protect the UK’s beer and pub sector from disappearing. 378 pubs are set to close in 2025 alone; that’s more than one pub every day. 

Beer brings in 34 billion to the UK economy and is an important part of British life. Mr Forster said the proposed duty cut would help offset the financial burden of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme – a new DEFRA policy that could see brewers make barely a profit on bottled beer unless prices rise or support is introduced. The debate was in response to this worry about local jobs, Woking being home to Asahi’s UK headquarters and small independent brewer Thurstons. 

In the debate, Will Forster MP said:  

“Reducing beer duty is good for the economy, yes. But it is also about protecting British culture, supporting local jobs, encouraging investment in our communities, and helping people with the cost of living”  

Mr Forster praised local businesses in Woking, including Thurston’s Brewery in Horsell and Asahi, which owns brands such as Fuller’s, Peroni, and Cornish Orchards. 

“The beer and pub sector supports over 1,800 jobs in Woking and contributes £100 million to the local economy. It’s our duty to reduce beer duty!”  

The MP also highlighted a flaw in the current EPR policy, which classifies glass bottles used in pubs as ‘household waste’, despite being collected through commercial recycling contracts. This, he argued, places an unfair cost burden on brewers and venues. 

Mr Forster welcomed the Government’s recent 1.7% cut in alcohol duty on draught beer and cider but warned that this is offset by a 3.6% increase on bottled products and the costs associated with EPR. The UK also pays far more than our European neighbours - with the UK paying 12 times more duty than Spain and Germany. 

Will Forster MP added: 

“Even the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has acknowledged this inconsistency - yet no solution has been delivered. The labour government is giving with one hand, and taking with the other.” 

“My debate to reduce beer duty is a political response to Labour’s bad economics.” 

“Reducing beer duty would help restore balance and provide a lifeline to an industry that is under significant pressure. this is a long-time campaign from CAMRA and has widespread support from across the industry.” 

The British Beer and Pub Association estimates that 378 pubs could close in 2025 alone, risking more than 5,600 jobs. Nationally, the sector supports around 3.5 million jobs and contributes over £34 billion to the UK economy. 

Liberal Democrats believe that pubs are more than places to enjoy a drink. They are central to our communities, helping to combat loneliness, support local economies, and preserve a key part of British culture. A fairer approach to beer duty would help secure their future. 

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See Will's speech below: