BBPA publishes Brexit manifesto for British beer and pubs: The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has published a manifesto for Britain’s exit from the European Union, which sets out how the beer and pub sector can be a force for growth and job creation as Britain leaves the EU. The manifesto urges the government to strive towards the most competitive tax and regulatory regime in Europe and to foster a resurgence in beer exports, more jobs in pubs, and boost the UK tourism industry. The manifesto sets out a range of specific policy priorities for the beer and pub industry. This includes a free trade deal with the EU as a priority, with no tariffs or additional paperwork for beer exports, and the delivery of free trade deals with third countries; a favourable tax regime, including a more competitive duty regime that supports exports; changes that support the consumption of lower-strength drinks and supports pubs and reduced VAT on pub meals; and no changes to the rights of existing overseas workers in the industry and a future immigration system that supports the necessary levels of staffing for the sector, which already faces a shortage of pub chefs. It also demands effective and proportionate regulation through the adoption of existing EU laws, while working with the government to deliver a more effective and light-touch regulatory regime for the UK in the future; and promoting British beer and pubs through support for exports and tourism as well as no changes to overseas visitor visa requirements for two years. BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds said: “Our manifesto sets out how we can meet the challenges of Brexit and make the most of opportunities that will enable our sector to grow in a post-Brexit Britain. We will also be urging the government to look hard at how to mitigate the effect of high taxes and regulatory burdens and, in particular, ensure there is no rise in beer duty at this critical time. While there is certainly a lot more work to be done, our manifesto provides us with a vital framework for the Brexit process that lies ahead.”