Brakspear to absorb beer duty rise for second year running

Oxfordshire-based pub operator Brakspear is to absorb the latest rise in beer duty announced in today's Budget.

The move means that Brakspear has absorbed duty increases for two years running, rather than passing it on to its 145 pubs.

Last year it froze prices after the Budget and in January this year it held off a traditional New Year increase to counter VAT's return to 17.5%.

Brakspear said that the freezes meant that Brakspear tenants are now paying around 4% less for Brakspear beers today than they would have been if the increases had been implemented.

Commercial director Tom Davies said: “The economy may be starting to recover, but it’s still tough for many pubs and spiralling beer prices aren’t helpful.  At least our tenants have been able to keep their Brakspear beer prices level, rather than imposing a further increase on customers who are already feeling the recessionary pinch.”


Brakspear & Sons bought for £108m >>

Two pubcos defy VAT increase by freezing beer prices >>

Victoria Lochhead, marketing executive, Brakspear pub company >>


By Neil Gerrard

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