SME4Labour News

Thursday 12 November 2026 | Small Business

Angela Eagle cuts packaging fees for pubs and hospitality businesses

Pubs, restaurants and hospitality businesses will get a fairer deal on packaging costs after the Labour Government announced action on 11 November to end unfair double charging on glass and cut fees for the most recyclable packaging.

Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle confirmed that glass drinks containers sold directly from producers to pubs, restaurants and other licensed hospitality venues will no longer be liable for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees from April 2027.

What it means for small businesses

• Savings of up to 6p per beer bottle and 10p per wine bottle by ending double charging for recycling the same packaging.
• A pub selling 10,000 beer bottles and 3,700 wine bottles a year could save up to £870.
• A consultation on packaging fees so easy-to-recycle materials like glass and paper cost less, which could cut fees for the most recyclable packaging by up to 40% a year.
• A call for evidence next month on helping more businesses reuse packaging, and a PackUK call for evidence in early 2027 on manufacturers' fees.

Dame Angela Eagle said: "We've listened to industry and hospitality businesses and are stepping in to reduce the fees for the most recyclable packaging – including tackling double charging on glass bought by pubs. This government is committed to supporting British business and these changes back the glass industry and pubs while making sure we're all doing our bit to reduce waste."

The British Beer and Pub Association welcomed the move, saying it could reduce cost pressures on brewers by tens of millions, while urging that the 12,000 publicans running leased and tenanted pubs as SMEs also benefit.

SME4Labour welcomes this practical step to cut costs for the pubs, restaurants and independent hospitality businesses at the heart of our high streets.

Source: GOV.UK, 11 November 2026