Local MP Sheryll Murray was pleased to receive a case of Clouded Yellow from St Austell Brewery having won a competition at the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group Dinner at the end of the session of Parliament. The Dinner is organised to allow the industry to highlight the issues facing them to the decision makers. At the dinner a number of beers were on offer and Sheryll supported the eventual winner – Clouded Yellow.
Sheryll made a visit to the brewery to discuss issues facing the industry with managing director of St Austell Brewery, James Staughton. The discussion included getting an update from the industry on the Government consultation on statutory code for pub companies and tenants. James was able to update Sheryll on how version six of the voluntary code was working in practise. They also discussed important local issues such as public convenience closures.
Following her visit Sheryll said, “Our local pubs are at the heart of many communities throughout South East Cornwall and I was delighted when the Chancellor announced that he was abolishing the Beer Duty Escalator and taking 1p off a pint in the last budget to support our local pubs. I visited James Staughton at St Austell Brewery this week to find out how this news was received in the Brewery trade. I am pleased that the help has been welcomed.
“Family owned St Austell Brewery owns many Pubs in South East Cornwall and I have always tried to ensure their tenants have been treated fairly. I was pleased to learn that the larger Pub Companies who have been reported as treating their landlords poorly in the past have now signed up to a voluntary code along with many other Pub owners to ensure fair treatment regarding rents, supplies of beer etc. I really hope the Government will allow time to see if this voluntary code, which promises a fair deal for Pub Landlords, works before introducing premature legislation as proposed by Vince Cable and the Liberal Democrats. Sometimes introducing premature legislation can be an unnecessary burden.
Following the discussion Sheryll did a tour of the brewery with Head Brewer Roger Ryman with particular reference to the massive investment the brewery had made into new machinery.
“The brewery has made a fantastic investment in Cornwall and it is always good to see a local company doing so well. I would like to thank James for taking the time to highlight their concerns and to Roger for showing me around the brewery.”
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Contact: Sheryll Murray MP 01579 344428
Pictured: Sheryll Murray, James Staughton, Roger Ryman and the fantastic Clouded Yellow.
Further info: http://www.staustellbrewery.co.uk/