Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to support the (a) beer and (b) pub sector to increase (i) economic growth and (ii) business investment in the context of his industrial strategy.

Hospitality businesses, including pubs and breweries, are at the heart of our communities and play a vital role in supporting economic growth across the UK.

The Government is creating a fairer business rate system, reducing alcohol duty on qualifying draught products and transforming the apprenticeship levy to support business and boost opportunities. This work will be supported by the publication of The Small Business Strategy Command Paper which will be published later this year. Through the Hospitality Sector Council, we are addressing strategic issues for the sector related to high street regeneration, skills, sustainability, and productivity.