Local Lib Dem MP, Norman Baker, has successfully campaigned to get local beer, Harveys Best Bitter, served as a guest ale in the Strangers' Bar at the House of Commons when parliament sits again after the summer break.
The local MP who has recently asked a number of parliamentary questions questioning the government's lack of support for traditional, independent breweries like local Lewes brewery, Harveys, is also a signatory to a parliamentary motion calling for the amendment of the criteria governing Small Breweries' Relief.
This motion asks the Government to extend the relief which small breweries, those producing up to 60,000 hectolitres, are eligible for to all independent breweries producing up to 200,000 hectolitres. Harveys of Lewes produces approximately 62,000-63,000 hectolitres of beer each year which puts the local brewery just outside the category of small brewers currently eligible for relief.
Commenting on his success, Norman Baker says:
"I am delighted to have been successful in campaigning to bring the joys of Harveys to the House of Commons. Last year it seemed that English ales were under serious threat in the bars here when the House authorities replaced those on offer with imported lager. This prompted me to lobby on behalf of my own local brewery and I'm very pleased to hear that Harveys will be back on tap in the Commons this autumn.
"The government isn't giving local breweries anywhere near enough support and actually provides considerably less assistance than many of our European neighbours provide for their independent breweries. As I am fortunate enough to live in a town with a thriving local brewery and am also a member of the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group I am only too aware of the importance of continuing to support smaller breweries that honour traditional methods of brewing which is why I will continue to push for the reinstatement of English ales in the Commons bars."
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Contact Norman at:
Norman Baker,
23 East Street,
Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
Tel: (01273) 480281.
Fax: (01273) 480287.
Email: info
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