Why Your Pint Costs More This Month: How Brighton Taprooms Are Handling the February Duty Hike

Let's talk about something nobody really wants to talk about: your pint just got more expensive.

If you've popped into Lost and Found or any other taproom in Brighton this February, you might've noticed a slight increase on the chalkboard. And before you think it's just us being cheeky, let me be straight with you, this one's not on us. On February 1st, 2026, alcohol duty in the UK jumped by 3.66%, and every single independent craft beer taproom, pub, and bar across Brighton (and the whole country, for that matter) is feeling it.

So yeah, your pint costs more this month. But here's the thing: we think you deserve to know exactly why, and what it means for places like ours that are doing everything we can to keep supporting the incredible independent Brighton breweries and Sussex craft scene.

What Actually Happened?

First time since 2017 that beer duty has been touched. The government announced this back in November's autumn budget, tying the increase to something called the Retail Prices Index (RPI) inflation. Essentially, it's a tax hike that hits every beer sold: whether it's on draught at your favourite taprooms in Brighton or in a can at the supermarket.

The increase applies across the board, but it doesn't hit everyone equally. Smaller independent operations like us, and the brilliant local breweries we stock, feel it hardest. We don't have the economies of scale that massive corporations do. We can't absorb these costs the way a multinational beer brand can.

And it's not just duty, either. Business rates are up. National insurance contributions are up. Energy costs haven't exactly been kind. For independent venues already operating on tight margins, this February duty hike is just another weight on the scales.

The Reality for Independent Taprooms

Here's what a lot of people don't realize: when you run an independent craft beer taproom like Lost and Found, you're not just pouring pints and cashing in. You're constantly walking a tightrope between keeping prices fair for your community and keeping the lights on.

Every keg we buy from a local Sussex brewery costs us more now. Every pint we pour has that extra 3.66% baked into it before it even touches your glass. And we've got a choice: absorb the cost and risk not being able to pay our team or support the breweries we love, or pass a bit of it on and hope you understand why.

We chose honesty. Because that's what craft beer Brighton is built on: transparency, community, and supporting each other through the tough stuff.

The government did introduce something called "Draught Relief," which sounds helpful, right? It's supposed to give a discount to draught beer served in pubs and taprooms. They increased it from 5% to 9.2%. But here's the kicker: even with that relief, it doesn't come close to offsetting the duty increase. Industry leaders have been pretty clear: businesses "have no choice but to increase prices" if they want to stay viable.

Why Supporting Independent Matters More Than Ever

Look, we get it. Everyone's feeling the pinch. The cost of living hasn't exactly been a walk in the park for anyone. So when your pint goes up by 20p or 30p, it stings a bit. We feel that too, trust us.

But here's what we want you to remember: when you buy a pint at an independent Brighton taproom like Lost and Found, your money is doing something real. It's not disappearing into some faceless corporation's offshore account. It's going directly to:

• Local Sussex breweries who are crafting exceptional beer right here in our community
• Our brilliant taproom team who pour your pints with care and actually know what they're talking about
• Local suppliers and food vendors who partner with us for events
• This community in Fiveways and beyond, keeping independent venues alive

When you choose craft beer Brighton over big brand lagers, you're voting with your wallet for a thriving, diverse, independent beer scene. You're saying you want taprooms that curate interesting, quality beers instead of just whatever's cheapest. You're supporting brewers who stay rooted in their craft, not shareholders who've never set foot in Sussex.

That matters. Especially now.

What We're Doing About It

At Lost and Found, we're not just sitting back and accepting the status quo. We're being smart about how we navigate this.

First, we're being selective. Every beer on our taps is there because it's exceptional, and because it represents an independent brewer doing things right. We're not filling our lines with whatever's convenient: we're championing the Brighton beers and Sussex craft breweries that deserve your support.

Second, we're keeping our pricing as fair as humanly possible. We've looked at every cost we can control, tightened where we can, and we're only passing on what we absolutely have to. This isn't about profit margins for us: it's about survival, sustainability, and making sure we're still here pouring pints for you five years from now.

Third, we're doubling down on community. Our venue hire is still free because we believe Brighton needs independent spaces where people can gather, celebrate, and connect. Our events are still packed with local food vendors, music, and good vibes because that's what makes a taproom more than just a place to drink.

And most importantly, we're being honest with you. We're not hiding behind vague excuses or corporate speak. We're telling you exactly what's happening, why your pint costs a bit more, and where your money goes when you choose to support us.

The Bigger Picture

This February duty hike isn't happening in a vacuum. The UK's independent craft beer scene has been under pressure for years now. Rising costs, changing drinking habits, competition from supermarkets selling cheap beer at unsustainable prices: it all adds up.

But you know what? The Brighton craft beer community is resilient. We've always been. This city has a proud tradition of supporting independent businesses, of choosing quality over convenience, of rallying around the local spots that make Brighton the vibrant, unique place it is.

That's the counter-culture to big-label beer. That's what we're about at Lost and Found, and that's what every independent tap room Brighton has to offer represents.

Your Pint Still Tells a Story

Look, we won't pretend this duty increase is good news. It's not. It makes everything harder for independent venues and the brilliant brewers we work with.

But here's what hasn't changed: every pint you order at Lost and Found still tells a story. A story of quality, craftsmanship, and community. A story of independent brewers in Sussex who wake up every day and choose to make exceptional beer, even when it would be easier to cut corners. A story of a taproom in Fiveways that believes Brighton deserves better than mass-produced mediocrity.

When you pay a bit extra for your pint this month, you're not just covering a tax increase. You're investing in the future of craft beer taproom culture in Brighton. You're saying that independent venues matter, that local breweries matter, that quality and community matter.

And honestly? That's worth raising a glass to.

Come Support Local Independence

So here's our ask: if you've been meaning to visit us, make it happen soon. Bring your mates. Try something new from our carefully curated taps featuring the best brighton breweries and beyond. Stay for a quiz night, a food collaboration, or just a proper catch-up in our cosy space on Ditchling Road.

Every pint poured, every conversation had, every laugh shared: that's what keeps independent taprooms like ours thriving. That's what tells the big corporations that Brighton's craft beer scene isn't going anywhere.

The price of your pint might've gone up, but the value? That hasn't changed one bit.

See you at the bar.

Visit Lost and Found at our Fiveways taproom on Ditchling Road, or check out what's on this month. Supporting independent has never mattered more.