This archive report was first published on 7 August 2019.
As the UK prepares to leave the European Union on October 31, the country's beer industry is in a state of uncertainty. The Great British Beer Festival, which kicked off in London on Tuesday, is a celebration of the industry, but it's also a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead.
Organisers of the festival, the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), are urging the government to mitigate the potential impacts of Brexit on the industry. 'Everyone in the industry is concerned about the potential impacts of leaving the EU -- and it's unclear what they are,' said Tom Stainer, chief executive of CAMRA.
The brewing industry relies heavily on imported hops and malts, and on exports. CAMRA is calling on the government to reduce beer tax and sort out business rates to provide stability for the industry.
Some breweries are more exposed to the potential fallout from Brexit than others. The Society of Independent Brewers, which represents around 830 independent craft breweries, has published an eight-point guide for members to follow in preparing for a no-deal Brexit.
Despite the uncertainty, there are also opportunities for the industry. Reducing the rate of duty for beer served in bars 'would be a really good way to support British pubs,' said Stainer.
At the beer festival, Surrey Hills brewery's Shere Drop was crowned the Champion Beer of Britain. The brewery's director, Ross Hunter, said that the uncertainty caused by Brexit is making it hard to plan for the future.
