Emma McClarkin, CEO of the BBPA, said: "British brewers and pubs pour billions into the economy, support more than a million jobs, and are at the heart of communities. 

"Whilst we welcome the Government's acknowledgement of the sector and the cut to draught beer in the last Budget, we need to see further cuts in beer duty to get close to the European average. We pay far more than our European neighbours, with the UK paying 12 times more duty than Spain and Germany. Indeed, the increase in packaged beer is a step the other way and another burden our sector will have to shoulder.

"Following the wider Budget announcements, pubs and brewers now face an April cliff edge, when a further £650m extra in costs will begin. 

"This includes the reduction of vital business rates relief, staggering new employer costs, and the beer bottle packaging tax, all which will stifle growth and investment.

"We urge Government to work with us and quickly introduce meaningful business rates reform and phase in new costs so that pubs can thrive and our sector can help deliver their growth mission."