FFD

The Environment Committee signed off the proposals and they will now continue to a confirmative vote in the Scottish Parliament. The Cabinet Secretary has indicated that they may be willing to shift on the timetable in light of the Covid-19 outbreak but believes it important to introduce the regulations now so that businesses can prepare.

SIBA has also held discussions with the CMA on the implications of the Scheme. However, it is very unlikely that the regulations will not pass and SIBA should now concentrate on the formation of the Scheme Administrator. While the Scottish Government will make the final decision, a proposal has come forward from BBPA, BSDA, AG Barr, Coca Cola, C&C and Highland Spring to form the Administrator. There will likely be a cut off to become a member of the Administrator (1% sales is likely so SIBA may not qualify) and membership would include a financial commitment to fund the C. £28m start-up costs. There will be a strategic advisory board which will include views from smaller producers.

Westminster Deposit Return Scheme

A DRS scheme for England, Wales and Northern Ireland is proposed as part of the Environment Bill which is currently at the Committee Stage in Parliament. SIBA has made representations on members’ behalf. During the Second Reading we sent a briefing to every MP and have proposed two amendments at Committee Stage to take account of the size of the producer when setting fees and the scope of the scheme and for the Administrator to demonstrate how it will fulfil its duty for small producers. With the Covid-19 outbreak, the legislative process has been suspended.

The timetable is now likely to change, but originally a DRS was expected in 2023, with a public consultation in September 2020 and regulations set out in 2021. SIBA has been having regular conversations with DEFRA officials on the progress of the scheme and is a member of the Producer Forum.

HMRC discussions

A meeting was held to discuss beer duty issues with HMRC. This included fraud, the calculation of production figures and beer packaged elsewhere, modern collaborations, merger and acquisition, export and SBR. HMRC agreed to work with SIBA further on these issues.

Northern Ireland

SIBA met with 11 brewers in Belfast in January to discuss forming a new campaign group to call on the Northern Ireland Executive to change alcohol laws which prevent them from selling directly to the public. After this meeting one NI brewery joined SIBA and others have expressed an interest.

The Department for Communities held a consultation on liquor licensing laws in Northern Ireland (NI), which SIBA responded to. The Executive now intends to introduce legislation. SIBA held a joint meeting with CAMRA and the Competition and Market Authority to discuss this issue further. SIBA has been working with NI brewers on case studies of taprooms.

Export

SIBA arranged a meeting with DEFRA and the Department for International Trade to discuss the British Beer Box initiative that we have been developing jointly with the BBPA.

Government officials were lukewarm about the initiative in the meeting, suggesting that funding is highly unlikely be forthcoming. They were only able to offer in market support. However, officials are interested in further discussions on what can be done to support the beer sector.

SIBA recently held a meeting with the Trade Minister, Greg Hands, to discuss the impact of Covid-19 on exports and what support could be provided. He agreed to consider the Beer Box idea.

Tied Pub Bill

Neil Bibby MSP has introduced the Tied Pub Bill in Scotland and SIBA has prepared written evidence as part of the call for views.