Breweries Reeves could serve up boost for indie beers

The government is considering making it easier for pubs to serve independent, local beers as the chancellor looks for ways to boost the sector.

- Jasper Jolly

Some pubs, known as tied pubs, only sell beer from the company that owns the pub, in exchange for lower rent. However, many publicans have for years lamented the "beer tie", and drinkers also tell pollsters they want more choice of independent beers.

A Treasury source said Rachel Reeves was considering ways of "expanding access to pubs for the small brewers", and could announce some form of consultation with the industry in her budget.