UK Brewers showcase low-strength beers for Parliament

British brewers showcased a new range of lower-strength beers in Parliament yesterday, following the change in taxation introduced last year, which lowered the tax for beer under 2.8% abv.

The event was organised by the by the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group and attended by Health Minister Anne Milton.

Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the BBPA, said it was great to see so much innovation on display from British brewers.

"The tax change is providing an incentive for drinkers to try some great products," she added. "The Government deserves credit for recognising the benefits of nudging drinkers in this direction - and let's not forget that all beers are low in strength, when compared with other types of drink."

Beers that featured at the tasting included:

SA Brains Brewery: Founders Brew, 2.8% abv
Carlsberg UK: SKOL, 2.8% abv
Harvey's Brewery: Sweet Sussex Stout, 2.8% abv; Bloomsbury Brown, 2.8% abv
Marston's Brewery: Marston's Pale Ale, 2.8% abv; Marston's Alcoholic Ale Shandy, 2.8% abv; Mann's Brown Ale (Martson's), 2.8% abv
Molson Coors UK: C2, 2% abv
ABInBev: Rolling Rock, 2.8% abv
Guinness: Mid Strength, 2.8% abv
Adnams Brewery: Sole Star, 2.7% abv
Everards Brewery: Southgate, 2.7% abv
JW Lees Brewery: Hero, 2.8% abv

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By Janie Stamford

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