If you’ve popped into our taproom in Stirchley recently, you know how much we care about building community around great beer. Recently, we hosted several other local breweries and two local MP’s (Al Cairns; Selly Oak and Laurence Turner; Northfield)
You might have seen the BBC coverage about our meeting. We hosted this meeting because, while local independent beer is thriving in spirit, the system behind the bar is stacked heavily against the small producers who put everything into their local communities.
Here is why we’re pushing for change and why it matters for every single pub-goer.
The 7% vs. 20% Reality Gap
Right now, small independent breweries account for just 7% of the UK on-trade beer market (the beer served in pubs and bars).
That isn't because people don't want independent craft beer. In fact, CAMRA’s latest beer report highlighted that 20% of pub consumers want independent beer represented on the bar.
There is a huge disconnect between what people want to drink and what global pub companies allow on tap. Restrictive tied-house agreements and exclusive supply deals with multinational beer companies often shut independent breweries out of local pubs and bars. We aren't asking for special treatment, we’re simply asking for fairer access to market, so drinkers actually get a choice when they step up to the bar.
Why Independent Beer Matters for Local Communities
When you buy a pint from an independent brewery like us, your money stays local.
Job Creation: Small, independent breweries employ 20 to 30 times more people per hectolitre (Hl) produced than the massive multinational breweries.
Local Economy: We hire local staff, collaborate with local suppliers, and build community hubs where people genuinely connect.
When macro-brewers dominate every line on a bar, it isn't just bad for beer choice, it drains economic vitality out of local neighbourhoods.
The Tax Burden
The tax burden on brewing and hospitality is significant, with businesses facing alcohol duty, VAT, business rates and other costs. While comparisons are often made with sectors such as gambling, the two industries are taxed in very different ways, making simple percentage comparisons misleading. What is clear is that independent breweries continue to shoulder substantial costs while investing in local jobs, communities and high streets.
What Needs to Change?
We want to keep the price of a pint fair and affordable so everyone can continue enjoying their local pub. To make that happen, we’re asking the government to:
Increase Draught Duty Relief: Expanding draught duty cuts directly helps pubs keep prices down for customers while keeping independent producers afloat.
Break Open Tap Access: Give pub operators real freedom to stock at least one or two guest lines from local, independent producers as is currently able in Scotland
We love making beer for Birmingham, and we want to see independent breweries thrive right across the UK. Thanks to everyone who continues to support us, visits the taproom, and order an independently brewed pint - you’re the reason we keep fighting for a fairer industry. Let’s make great independent beer on the bar common place.
Sam, Co-Founder, Attic