Support Your Favourite Pubs & Breweries with SIBA's Drop the Tap Tax Campaign

On 1 September, SIBA (the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates) launched its new Drop the Tap Tax campaign, and we would like to take a moment to tell you about the campaign, why it is so important to pubs and small breweries like us, and how you can help us encourage the government to champion the great British pub industry.

Beer sold in community pubs in the UK is subject to one of the highest alcohol taxes in Europe, putting pubs and breweries like ours under increasing pressure. Did you know that in 2025, the UK lost 137 breweries? Not only that, but two pubs were closed down every day at the beginning of the year.

The Chancellor has the power to directly help pubs and breweries by dropping the tax on pub beer through a mechanism called Draught Relief. This is currently set at a rate of 13.9%, but independent breweries believe that an extended rate of 30% or more could boost the economy, see job growth and lead to more pints being served in our pubs.

The futures of our beloved pubs and breweries are in peril. Jobs are being put at risk, pubs that play a vital role in our local communities are under threat, and small, independent breweries like us are facing a struggle to survive. The Chancellor has the chance to help secure the future of our pubs and breweries and grow the local economy by reducing tax on pub beer in his upcoming Budget on 28 October.

How can you help the campaign and show your support for businesses like ours? 

• Sign the petition here.
• Write to your MP and ask for their support getting the Chancellor to Drop the Tap Tax this October.

We’d like to thank everyone who takes the time to support the Drop the Tap Tax campaign, and of course all of our loyal customers who help make our brewery a success, one delicious pint of Westerham beer at a time.