James Staughton, managing director of St Austell Brewery, welcomed the Chancellor's announcement, which has come after a broad and persuasive campaign uniting the industry and consumers.
He said: "This is brilliant news, and it will make George Osborne the toast of Britain's pubs, today. By deciding to freeze the tax on beer through the removal of the beer duty escalator – and then going even further by lowering duty by 1p a pint - he has moved to boost jobs in pubs, and in a way that will not hit the Treasury's bottom line.
"It is a boost for pub goers and recognises the Government's support for local community pubs and brewing; a key UK manufacturing sector.
"It will allow the industry to invest, save 2,000 jobs in this year alone, create new jobs, and contribute to economic growth."
He said: "This is brilliant news, and it will make George Osborne the toast of Britain's pubs, today. By deciding to freeze the tax on beer through the removal of the beer duty escalator – and then going even further by lowering duty by 1p a pint - he has moved to boost jobs in pubs, and in a way that will not hit the Treasury's bottom line.
"It is a boost for pub goers and recognises the Government's support for local community pubs and brewing; a key UK manufacturing sector.
"It will allow the industry to invest, save 2,000 jobs in this year alone, create new jobs, and contribute to economic growth."
