Brigid Simmonds, British Beer and Pub Association chief executive, said: “This is absolutely brilliant news, and it will make George Osborne the toast of Britain’s pubs today. By cutting the tax on beer, he has moved to boost jobs in Britain’s pubs at a time when it is most needed.
“In also abolishing the beer tax escalator, the Chancellor has ended a hugely damaging policy that would have made Britain’s’ beer the most heavily taxed in Europe.
“This will protect thousands of jobs this year, and will allow us to create many new jobs in this brilliant industry.
“I want to pay tribute to the hundreds of thousands of people who have supported this campaign. This has been a broad and persuasive campaign uniting the industry and consumers. I hope this heralds the start of a long term change that recognises the benefits of beer and pubs, for the economy, and for society.”
