Richard recently attended a parliamentary reception and met with the British Beer & Pub Association.
Speaking after the event, Richard said:
"Great to speak with the BBPA in Parliament about the rising costs involved in producing bottled beer, including the impact of new packaging regulations.
Our pubs and breweries are vital to communities like Basildon and Billericay — supporting local jobs and contributing billions to the UK economy. However, increasing costs - especially National Instance Tax and Business Rates - and red tape put real pressure on the sector.
As a proud former Beer Group Parliamentarian of the Year, I’ve long supported our brewing and pub industries — from pressing for a freeze on beer duty, lower draught beer duty, to backing financial support during COVID-19.
I’ll keep pushing the Government to ensure brewers and landlords aren’t held back by unnecessary regulation or rising costs. I look forward to visiting the local brewery in Billericay again soon."
