Chancellor considering how to increase access to pubs for small brewers and may announce industry consultation

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

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 grated against the “beer tie”, and drinkers also tell pollsters they want more choice of independent beers.