in the brewing industry have been adversely affected by the government's decision to increase alcohol duty.
The two per cent above inflation rise in beer tax has been described as "ruinous" to the independent brewing industry by Patrick McCaig of Otter Brewery.
Speaking to the Exeter Express and Echo, Mr McCaig said that it has been a difficult time for the brewing industry, with pubs closing and the cost of raw materials increasing.
He warned that adding a 7.2 per cent increase in alcohol duty could be the last straw for some firms.
"Local brewers are just the kind of business this government says it wants to see prosper … Yet the beer taxation regime is killing off our main route to market – the British pub," he told the publication.
British Beer & Pub Association chief executive Brigid Simmons said last week that her organisation would fight the duty rise, describing it as a "failed policy".
Typical Guttridge equipment used in the brewing industry includes:
Conveyors – screw conveyors – chain conveyors – belt conveyors
