The British Beer & Pub Association has today released a film making the argument for a freeze in beer duty.

The movie, called The Beer Story - Calling Time on Duty, has been produced to show the role the brewing and pub industry plays in the economic and social life of Britain. In the 10-minute film, presenter Marverine Cole visits pubs and breweries including Adnams in Suffolk and talks to industry leaders and MPs.

 “Huge thanks are due to everyone who participated in the making of the film,” said BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds. “Whether it is lobbying their local MPs or encouraging others to do so, I hope everyone, from beer drinkers, publicans and the entire beer and pub supply chain will use this film to help make the case for a fairer deal for our sector.”

The film is being launched the week after BBPA figures revealed that supermarket and off-licence beer sales crashed by 85.5 million pints in last three months of 2012.

Off-trade sales of lager and ale fell 7.5% in the final quarter of the year to 3.7 million barrels, down from four million in the same period in 2011. Over the same period, on-trade sales fell 4.8% year-on-year to 3.6 million barrels – making a total drop in beer sales of 138 million pints in three months.

The BBPA said its figures highlighted the pressing need for a review of the duty escalator that has contributed to the tax on a pint of beer soaring by 42% since 2008.

 “The tax rises we have endured are unsustainable,” added Simmonds. “It is vital we get the message across that a change of government policy could really boost investment and jobs across both beer and pubs – without putting a serious dent in government revenues.”