Leading pub group calls for fair EU beer export deal

The British Beer & Pub Association said ministers should make it a priority to ensure there are no tariffs or additional paperwork for beer exports.

It also stressed the importance of maintaining the rights of existing overseas workers in the industry and ensuring there is a system to attract skilled staff.

BBPA chief executive, Brigid Simmonds, said: ‘Our manifesto sets out how we can meet the challenges of Brexit and make the most of opportunities that will enable our sector to grow in a post-Brexit Britain.

‘We will also be urging the government to look hard at how to mitigate the effect of high taxes and regulatory burdens, and in particular ensure that there is no rise in beer duty at this critical time.’

Meanwhile, a new study has found more people are feeling confident in the economy than those who aren’t for the first time in two years.

Paul Lockstone, of Barclaycard, said: ‘More people now tell us they feel confident about the UK economy than those who don’t, and the proportion has jumped since the EU referendum vote.

‘This recovery in confidence, combined with the warmer September weather, helped to prolong the summer feeling amongst consumers last month.

‘Increased spend on experiences, and in particular with friends and family in pubs and restaurants, delivered one of the strongest months for spend growth so far this year.’