Michaluk is elected vice-chairman for SIBA UK

Chairman of the Scottish Branch of SIBA, Gerald Michaluk of Arran Brewery has been elected vice-chairman of Society of Independent Brewers for the all of the UK.

Michaluk says: “ I am proud to represent, through SIBA, the interests of my fellow brewers in Scotland and the rest of the UK.

“There are particularly exciting times for the brewing industry and in particular the independent brewers who SIBA represents.

“As the market for cask ale/craft beer continues to grow our members face a new set of challenges and threats from a variety of sources and of course great opportunities.  In Scotland we have the year of food and drink and beer is growing in importance to the economy of Scotland and the UK and could be a major source of export income in the future. 

“While brewers in the UK have to try and get a fair playing field for beer duty relative to other alcoholic beverages. 

“Beer is a health product, if consumed in moderation, and we need to establish this fact and support the on and off-trade who are coming under pressure from the side effects poorly thought through legislation. 

“In particular, in Scotland rural businesses are reporting the need for assistance from the government as the market looks like it has been distorted by the Scotland’s new Drink Drive limits.  For example, perhaps dropping VAT from public houses or rates relief would go some way to off set the damage this legislation may have on the Scottish rural drinks business and tourism.”

23 February 2015 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor