BBPA publishes wish list for Brexit negotiations

With the Brexit talks now underway, the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has come out in its support for the approach outlined by leading industry groups, to ensure that, alongside the brewing and pub industry’s existing priorities, robust transitional arrangements are in place as the UK prepares to leave the European Union.

The BBPA welcomes the government’s negotiation emphasis on putting the economy first and the need to maintain frictionless customs arrangements.

The BBPA’s Chief Executive Brigid Simmonds commented: “We have always been clear we want to see trade conducted as freely as possible and access to skills for the brewing and pub sector secured.”

“Until there is a final settlement on our exit from the EU,” she said “the benefits of the single market and customs union should be maintained, and we also want to see the maintenance of an open border in Ireland.”

On her wish list are also a tariff-free goods trade between the UK and the European Union; minimal customs formalities; regulatory equivalence and mutual recognition of standards for both goods and services; and a flexible system for the movement of labour and skills that enjoys public support.

She stressed that as the negotiations proceed, the BBPA will be urging the government to make the most of opportunities for the sector, not least when it comes to taxation. The UK will need a more competitive beer duty regime that supports exports, changes that support the consumption of lower-strength drinks and support pubs, and reduced VAT on pub meals.

These changes are needed, according to the BBPA, to create jobs and investment.