The Government is set to increase the tax paid by some small independent breweries in the UK. This could lead to brewery closures, and less choice at the bar for you. The Treasury has announced changes to Small Brewers Relief (SBR) – the progressive tax system that has revolutionised UK brewing. These changes will reduce the 50% duty threshold from 5,000hl to 2,100hl: small breweries will have to pay more duty, whilst larger breweries could pay the same or less.
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CAMRA has joined calls for the Government to think again – we need your help to persuade them that this is bad for UK brewing and bad for consumers.
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You can help by signing the petition on the Parliament website HERE. If we get 100,000 signatures, a debate will automatically be triggered in Parliament.
Welcome to Cheltenham CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale. We are a voluntary organisation campaigning for real ale, community pubs and consumer rights.The Cheltenham Branch has around 850 members in the GL50, GL51, GL52 and GL53 postcode areas.
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The Kemble Brewery Inn
We are pleased to let you all know that Caron at the Kemble Brewery Inn has at last successfully concluded the negotiations with her pubco (Star/Heineken) concerning her rent and renewal of lease.
Her lease is due for renewal in early December and the arrangement now is that after that date it will be renewed on a month-to-month basis on the same terms until the pandemic is over. After that, a new lease will be negotiated. (Well done Caron!)
She is not reopening on 3 December but will still be doing her amazing takeaway food for the weekends.
Covid-19 Post Lockdown
The UK Government have announced that when the current Lockdown ends on December 2nd Gloucestershire will be placed into Tier 2. This is not good news for our local pubs and clubs as it means they can only serve alcohol when purchased with a substantial meal. We are awaiting the impact this will have on individual establishments but once we are aware of their plans we will publish revised opening hours on the Covid-19 page of the website.
Covid-19 November Lockdown
Tonight’s announcement from the government of a 4 week lockdown from Thursday 5th November means that all pubs and clubs will have to close unless they are offering take away services. This is devastating news for our local pubs, clubs and breweries. As with the previous lockdown in March we will publicise details of the venues we know are offering takeaway food and drink. Details will be listed under the Lockdown 2 tab.
Good Beer Guide 2021 – Update
PLEASE NOTE UPDATED ARRANGEMENTS
We will be in the Moon Under Water from 2pm until 6pm on Thursday 29th October to distribute copies of the new Good Beer Guide to members. We will then be moving to both Whittle Taps and Cheltenham Motor Club from 7pm onwards.
The members price is just £11 per copy. We are happy to accept cash and cheques.
Social distancing and other Covid compliance measures will be observed.
If you haven’t yet pre-ordered, but would like a copy, please contact chair {at} cheltenhamcamra.org.uk.
Good Beer Guide 2021
As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic the Good Beer Guide is being published slightly later this year with the 2021 edition being published on 29th October 2020. As usual the branch will have copies available to sell to members at a discounted price of £11 per copy. (The Recommended Retail Price is £15.99).
Subject to government guidance at the time we hope to organise a launch event to celebrate the publication of the Guide and distribute copies.
If you would like to order a copy please contact the branch chairman chair [at] cheltenhamcamra.org.uk
Chris Chadwick – RIP
It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Chris Chadwick. Chris passed away on 30th July. Chris was a life long member of CAMRA. He had been a commitee member of the Cheltenham branch since its formation and was treasurer at the time of his death.
Chris was well known around the pubs of Cheltenham and was also our committee cider expert. Chris will be missed by all who knew him and we send our condolences to his family.
Rest In Peace Chris.
Chris Chadwick presenting the Cider Pub of The Year Award to The Plough in 2015
Eat Out To Help Out
As part of the Government’s post Covid recovery plan as well as the 6 month reduction in VAT on meals in August, they are also promoting the “Eat Out To Help Out” scheme where diners can get up to £10 off meals out on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in August.
A number of our local pubs are taking part, and the list changes daily. For the latest listing, please click HERE. This government site offers a search function (by Post Code), to locate participating establishments.
BRANCH UPDATE – COVID-19: Updated 6th July
Many establishments have now reopened. This is much welcomed news. While it is appreciated that members will wish to resume socialising in pubs as soon as possible, for the time being we will not be promoting formal branch socials or meet ups in pubs when they reopen.
We must be careful not to encourage large crowds to gather, or any kind of behaviour that would mean that it would be hard for a pub to keep social distancing measures in place. We will focus on getting people back to pubs on an individual basis, and campaigning will still be carried out online.
Our “4th July” page (see TAB above) will record the details we have of pub reopenings and any special arrangements they are putting in place.
Please remember to use pubs safely and in a responsible way when they reopen.
Rob Coldwell
Chair
Cheltenham CAMRA
6 July 20
Midland Air Ambulance – thank you.
Our branch charity for 2019 was the Midland Air Ambulance and we were very happy to be able to make a donation of £610, raised through the generosity of attendees at the CRAF 2019 and Christmas singalong, to them. Thank you all.
