Welsh committee urges beer tie reform

Pubs in Wales should have the right to stock local guest beers, even if the UK Government does not reform the beer tie — that's according to a Welsh Assembly committee.

A report into wine, beer, cider and spirits industry also recommends greater protection for pubs in planning laws. Other recommendations from the rural development sub-committee to the Welsh Government included:

• The Welsh Government should ensure that it is fully involved in any discussions at a UK level on the introduction of minimum pricing, to highlight how role minimum pricing could prevent irresponsible supermarket pricing which is threatening the future of community pubs.

• The Welsh Government should legislate to give every pub in Wales the right to stock a locally produced guest beer or cider if the UK Government does not ensure reform of the beer tie

• Planning protection for pubs should be strengthened by ensuring consistent application of guidelines, by banning restrictive covenants and by closing the planning loophole that allows pubs to be demolished without planning permission

• There should be greater protection for pubs of historical and cultural interest

• Progressive beer duty — tax breaks for smaller brewers — must be retained in order to sustain the growth of small breweries in Wales

• Welsh produce should be promoted by encouraging the cultivation of Welsh ingredients for beer and cider, and the Assembly should design a marketing campaign highlighting Welsh beer as a quality natural product

• The Welsh Government should develop a logo that informs consumers of the provenance of Welsh beer and cider

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) provided written and oral evidence to the committee, and chief executive Mike Benner said the recommendations were "positive steps towards providing a sustainable future for the Welsh beer, cider and pub industries".

"It is hugely welcome that the championing of local produce and the preservation of Welsh heritage in the pub sector are emphasised, particularly at a time when many historic outlets are lost due to planning loopholes that allow pubs to be demolished without planning permission.

"CAMRA now looks forward to working with the Welsh Government to ensure the proposals are put into action so that Welsh consumers continue to enjoy local produce in the unrivalled atmosphere of well-run community pubs."