North Cornwall MP Calls for Support After Sharp’s Brewery Closure Consultation

The Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall has criticised plans by a US brewing giant to close a Cornish brewery, warning it could put around 50 local jobs at risk.

Ben Maguire has urged Ministers to rethink what he described as policies that are “ripping the hospitality sector to shreds”, following confirmation that Molson Coors is consulting on shutting Sharp’s Brewery in Rock.

The announcement comes after a number of other pub closures in recent weeks across Cornwall.

Jobs and local economy at risk

Ben said the news would alarm communities across the county, particularly as businesses face rising costs and ongoing fiscal uncertainty.

“Sharp’s and its famous ales like Doom Bar have become part of Cornwall’s identity. This news is a hammer blow for the local economy, and for the hospitality sector here in Cornwall that is already on its last legs,” he said.

“Small businesses like pubs are the glue that holds communities together, but Ministers’ decisions on costs and taxation are pushing far too many dangerously to the brink at the moment.”

He added that pubs and breweries play a vital role in Cornwall’s visitor economy and called on the Government to “protect the heart of local communities”.

Call for protections for Cornish products

Ben also criticised the decision to move production out of Cornwall, saying multinational brewers “cannot always be trusted to act in Cornwall’s long-term interests”.

“It is deeply disappointing to see an American multinational move production out of Cornwall, and Ministers should look at giving Cornish beers, ales, and other drinks the same protections as the Cornish pasty, so that what is branded Cornish is genuinely made here,” he said.

The MP confirmed he is tabling an official Parliamentary Motion urging the Government to protect jobs and support the pub and hospitality sectors.

“I’m tabling an official Parliamentary Motion urging the Government to think again. I’ve also been campaigning since my election to cut beer duty and fix business rates. If Ministers want thriving high streets and strong communities, they need to start backing the businesses that make that possible, here in North Cornwall and right across the country.”