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BBPA responds to DEFRA consultation on Packaging Waste Recycling Note system
From 21 March – 21 May 2022 the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has sought views on the current Packaging Waste Recycling Note (PRN) system. A PRN is documented proof that packaging material has been recovered or recycled by an accredited recycling company. Both brewers and pub companies have responsibilities under the legislation, but also as founders of not-for-profit SUSTAIN, a packaging waste compliance scheme for our members, the BBPA was uniquely placed to feed insights into DEFRA’s consultation. The BBPA have raised concerns with Government previously on the functioning of the PRN ‘market’ Last year, this resulted in a huge spike in glass PRN prices, at an already extremely challenging time for the sector. In its response, the BBPA calls for greater flexibility and transparency within the PRN scheme in order to reduce volatility in the market and welcome many of the proposed measures that could help achieve this. The scheme also needs to ensure they is no double-payment be producers obligated under the forthcoming Deposit Return System. Emma McClarkin Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association said: “The PRN scheme has so far played an important role in helping to achieve UK recycling targets but it remains fundamentally flawed. It is vital that improvements are made to its operation to reduce volatility and increase transparency. “For example, extending the compliance period for the trading of PRNs and introducing a compliance fee for those unable to secure sufficient PRNs are both required, as is more regular and robust reporting by reprocessors. It is also crucial that with the introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme that producers do not also have additional obligations for those same materials under the PRN regime. As DEFRA continue to examine the scheme and make improvements, we look forward to working closely with them to ensure it is one that works for pubs and brewers.” Read the full response
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BBPA calls for introduction of Online Sales Tax
The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has today called for the introduction of an Online Sales Tax to level the playing field, in response to a Government consultation. In its submission to the consultation, the BBPA highlights how the current system overtaxes pubs, that the brewing industry is the highest taxed business sector in the UK, and how an Online Sales Tax would help to make the taxation system fairer and ease the current burden Britain’s brewers and pubs face. It also sets out why an OST is crucial for the regeneration of high streets and local communities. However , the BBPA highlight that any new tax must be ringfenced and not “become simply another revenue source”, but instead be created, and contained, for the purposes of bringing down the overall costs of business rates for the sector. They call for Government to ensure the sector is no worse off through an addition of a new tax. Running from the end of February until today, the Government consultation has sought views from across all sectors on the possible introduction of an Online Sales Tax to rebalance the taxation of the retail sector amidst the continued rise of online retail. Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association Emma McClarkin said: “Our current taxation system is not working for breweries and pubs. We are overtaxed and paying higher business rates than most other sectors, whilst online retailers reap the benefits of low taxation and a booming trade. “If the Government wants to support pubs – the jobs they support and the role they play in their communities - they must do more to rebalance the taxation system, so pubs and breweries aren’t subsidising the digital economy’s fair share of tax.” For more information about the consultation visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/online-sales-tax-policy-consultation Read the full submission.
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Pubs and brewers countdown to bumper bank holiday weekend with £105million boost expected
With just two weeks to go until the extra-long Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend, pubs and brewers are preparing for a bumper event, with an estimated 90million pints expected to be sold resulting in a £105million boost for the trade. With opening hours extended until 1am across the Jubilee weekend and an extra day off on top of the regular end of May bank holiday, pubs are hoping for record bank holiday sales, which will see a £29million pay back into the economy in duty and VAT. In addition to extended opening hours, several other initiatives are expected to boost sales and get people to their local to celebrate Her Majesty, with many brewers creating special celebratory beers to mark the occasion and many getting involved in hosting jubilee lunches and community street parties. Several brewers from across the country will also be brewing a special ‘Thank Brew’ to raise money for good causes, an easy drinking 3.5% Pale Ale as well as a low alcohol version, which will be served at a selection of different pubs across the UK. Jason Smith, a publican who runs the White Swan in Otley, West Yorkshire will be hosting a special Jubilee BBQ, he said: “We are really looking forward to the Jubilee celebrations bringing our community together and are proud that our pub will be at the heart of that. “We took a knock over the past two years, and Christmas restrictions were a real blow to our business, but this will be an opportunity to bounce back, so we’re keeping fingers crossed for nice weather as well to lift spirits and celebrations even more!” To extend the jubilation even further, the British Beer and Pub Association has joined with other leading trade organisations, and the Together Coalition to call for the extended bank holiday to be made permanent and turned into a ‘Thank Holiday’, to recognise her Majesty’s extraordinary service year on year. Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, Emma McClarkin said: “The Platinum Jubilee weekend is set to be a joyous occasion for the whole country, and pubs are looking forward to leading celebrations in their communities across the country. Pubs have always been a place for people to come together and it’s at special times like this that really shines through. “Whether it’s toasting a special brew for Her Majesty the Queen or joining a Jubilee BBQ at your local, we hope people will celebrate at the pub and show their support for two great British institutions.”