Meon Valley MP Flick Drummond is urging the Government to review tax relief for small breweries because it is stopping them from expanding.
Flick visited the Flowerpots Brewery in Cheriton recently to discuss the small breweries relief with co-owner Rupert Boissier, who told her he cannot easily grow his business because of the tax.
Speaking in a parliamentary debate on the issue, Flick said: “I look forward to the review of small breweries relief. That relief is vital but it tapers away at over 5,000 hectolitres.
“A brewery that doubles its production from 5,000 to 10,000 hectolitres might incur a 250% increase in duty. Small brewers everywhere face the same problem. This well-intentioned tax regime benefits small breweries, but it can also hamper their growth. Relaxing the taper rate could result in more production and employment, leading to higher tax receipts in the long run. I hope that the Government will consider giving small breweries that much-needed shot in the arm in this year’s Budget.”
Speaking while visiting the brewery, Flick added: “Hampshire has many small brewers, like the excellent Flowerpots, which employ people and generate economic growth, so I was really pleased to be able to speak in the debate to ask the Chancellor to reduce tax for small breweries.
“It is exciting to see small businesses like the Flowerpots producing a great product and with ambitions to grow in the future with, hopefully, a little help from the government.”
