UK: The tax relief for small breweries has led to an increase in their number

The tax relief for small breweries has led to a 29 % increase in the number operating, CAMRA announced on April 25.

There are presently 570 small and regional brewers in the UK compared to only 440 in 2002 when Small Breweries� Relief was introduced, CAMRA said, leading to greater choice. Small Breweries� Relief means small brewers pay reduced tax on the beer they produce. Under the current system all brewers producing less than 60,000 hectolitres a year benefit.

Mike Benner, CAMRA chief executive said: �Small Breweries� Relief has helped create renewed interest in real ale and this can only be good news for all those who care about real ale. "Over 130 more small real ale brewers is fantastic news to our 80,000 members and all fans of real ale.�

Mr Mulholland stated: �The relief for small breweries is of course welcome. It has helped micro-breweries produce many excellent brews including some local to me. �However there are small independent breweries that do not currently quality for such relief. It is time they were given the same support levels to allow all small breweries to flourish."