Waveney MP Peter Aldous last week received a special award for his work in helping to secure last year’s historic cut in beer duty in the Budget. Mr Aldous was presented with the new ‘Beer Champion’ award, including a truly unique new beer brewed especially for the occasion.

The award is a joint initiative from the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA). Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) all of whom wanted to recognise the role of Peter Aldous MP, who supported Britain’s national drink during 2013, especially for his support in scrapping the Beer Duty Escalator, which led to the momentous cut in Beer Duty.

Brewing and pubs are vital to the local economy in every part of the country. All three bodies have joined forces again this year and successfully campaigned for a freeze in duty in this year’s Budget on 19th March.

Mr Aldous said:

“I was delighted to receive a Beer Champion Award. It was right to call time last year on the Beer Duty Escalator, which caused immense damage to a uniquely British industry. It is good news that in the Budget Beer Duty was frozen for a second year as it is a highly regressive tax, which hits hardest those on low incomes.

“The brewing and pub sector play a significant role in the Waveney economy providing approximately 1,100 jobs. With 1 job in brewing creating 21 jobs in pubs, shops, agriculture and the industry’s supply chain, it is an industry that needs to be promoted.”

Mike Benner, Chief Executive of  CAMRA, comments:

“This reward recognises Peter for his inevitable support in the campaign to scrap the beer duty escalator. Mr Aldous really helped in drawing attention to the harm caused by tax increases totalling 42 per cent over four years.”

Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, comments:

“I want to thank Peter for making a huge difference in achieving the historic duty cut in 2013. We are delighted to honour this achievement in the best way possible – with a great new beer.”

Keith Bott, SIBA chairman, said:

“The small, local brewers, who make up the bulk of SIBA’s membership, applaud Peter’s work in the campaign to scrap the Beer Duty Escalator last year. Brewers now feel more confident about the future of the UK’s brewing industry, and able to make long term business plans.”