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MP backs ‘life line’ for pubs and brewers

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PRESELI MP Stephen Crabb has added his voice to calls to cut duty for draught beer sold in pubs to help the industry recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The plan, which would see pubs pay lower duty on draught beer than in paid by supermarket operators on bottles and cans, would target support to Britain’s pub trade.

Stephen Crabb said: “Pembrokeshire’s pubs are so important to our communities but have suffered very badly during lockdown. While supermarkets have been trading healthily throughout the pandemic, pubs have been forced to close and must adopt many expensive measures to keep the public covid safe on reopening.

“Because 98% of all beer drunk in pubs is brewed in Britain, and beer accounts for almost half of all drinks they sell, cutting duty on draught beer would target help and support to pubs.”

Stephen Crabb was one of 76 Conservative MPs who wrote to the Chancellor Rishi Sunak asking him to introduce a lower draught beer duty on beer sold in pubs and clubs.

Keith Bott, owner of Titanic Brewery & former Chair of SIBA, the Society of Independent Brewers, who is coordinating the campaign said: “I would like to thank Stephen and his colleagues for giving their support to Britain’s pubs and breweries by backing a Draught Beer Duty cut. This has been an extremely difficult year, and with the extra costs of being covid safe, many pubs are facing an uncertain future. Cutting duty on draught beer will get support into the hands of publicans and Brewers and allow them to survive and invest in their futures”

Stephen added: “The Government has already provided huge financial assistance to businesses across the country, but a Draught Beer Duty cut could really help by boosting investment and creating new jobs in the hospitality sector. I’m looking forward to enjoying a visit to my local as soon as we can, and I would urge everyone to get out and enjoy a pint of great British beer in their local community pub”

At the end of last year Stephen Crabb joined calls for the Chancellor to reconsider changes to a scheme which has transformed the small brewing sector in the UK.

In a joint letter to Rishi Sunak, Stephen Crabb argues that changing Small Breweries’ Relief (SBR) will put a great British success story under threat at a time when many businesses are struggling to survive.

Under the current system, small breweries pay a proportionate amount of tax on the small amount of beer they produce compared to the global companies that dominate the industry. Up to 5,000 hectolitres – which is about 900,000 pints – they pay 50% of beer duty to the Treasury.

Pembrokeshire is home to a number of small breweries, including Bluestone Brewing, Gwaun Valley Brewery and the newly established St Davids Old Farmhouse Brewery.

Speaking in December, Stephen Crabb said: “Our small independent brewers are a real success story, and the support provided through Small Breweries’ Relief is key to their future. These businesses have been severely impacted by the Covid pandemic and now is not the time to be making changes to this scheme.”

At the time, Chief Executive of the Society of Independent Brewers, James Calder said: “SBR has been a great success, revolutionising brewing in the UK and allowing more brewers to start up and compete against the global companies that dominate beer in our country. The Chancellor is forcing changes on small breweries, which we have not asked for and do not support. The Treasury needs to urgently reverse course, not reduce the 50% threshold below 5,000hl and give the industry something to cheer about.”

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

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A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

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Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

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ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

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Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

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MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!

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