The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has today responded to the publication of the Department of Health’s consultation on calorie labelling for food and drink served outside of the home.
Commenting on the publication of the consultation, BBPA Chief Executive Brigid Simmonds said:
“The BBPA understands the Government’s agenda on obesity, but the majority of Britain’s 50,000 pubs are run as small businesses. The burden and cost of the proposed calorie labelling will be considerable. Seasonal menus and locally sourced meals which change frequently and depend on the availability of key ingredients make calorie labelling challenging. This could also mean that calorie labelling will result in significantly reduced choice for the consumer.
“Consumers are capable of making informed choices for themselves and their families. Often a meal out in a pub is an affordable treat and the choices now available to customers are greater than ever.
“The BBPA is concerned about the increasing and incremental cost of running pubs from beer duty to the impact of business rates, sugar tax and auto-enrolment of pensions, among others. The costs are huge which is why we are supporting Long Live The Local this autumn in the run-up to the Budget. We need Government to understand these burdens on a much-loved and essential pillar of our community and reduce beer duty and business rates to help them.”