The government must freeze duty on beer to help the brewing trade survive tough times ahead, one industry body believes.
The Morning Advertiser reports that Rob Hayward, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, thinks that such a move is necessary as the impact of the smoking ban hits licensed premises.
Recent figures indicated that beer sales were at a 40-year low and, Mr Hayward believes, the worst is yet to come.
Speaking to the Morning Advertiser, he said that the government had helped the struggling cider industry flourish in recent years with a duty freeze.
He added: "We believe that the case for similar treatment for the brewing industry, with its considerably greater impact on the UK and rural economy, is at least as compelling."
In January, the Campaign for Real Ale warned that at least 56 pubs - many privately own - close in Britain each month.
