Cheers to that! Craft beer industry set to receive Budget boost as Chancellor Rachel Reeves eyes up plans to sell more pints from local breweries in pubs

The craft beer industry is expected to receive a boost in the Budget, with pubs being able to sell more products from small local breweries.

Rachel Reeves is planning to act after a survey found that three-quarters of drinkers believe it is important for pubs to offer a wider range of drinks – rather then just those supplied by the large breweries to which many landlords are tied through leases.

Sources close to the Chancellor say that she ‘wants to bring the system into the 21st century so publicans have greater flexibility to buy beer from local small breweries to help bring in more footfall, expand choice for drinkers and support local breweries.’ 

Ministers will consult the industry over ways to implement the measure.

Ms Reeves is understood to be considering other ways to support the alcohol industry – including dropping the proposed ban on smoking in pub gardens. 

The craft beer industry is expected to receive a boost in the Budget (stock picture)

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has called for a ‘national debate’ on ending smoking, but Downing Street is reported to be watering down the draconian anti-tobacco plans after an outcry from businesses. 

Smoking is likely to be prohibited only outside hospitals and schools.

The Chancellor is also looking at moves to help Scotch whisky, 90 per cent of which is now exported. 

Ms Reeves is expected to earmark £5 million to boost its exports further – together with those of spirits such as Irish Poitin and Somerset Cider Brandy – by making it cheaper to ‘badge’ products according to ‘geographic indicators’.

Sources close to the Chancellor say that she ‘wants to bring the system into the 21st century so publicans have greater flexibility to buy beer from local small breweries’ (stock image)