Excluded areas: breweries and wet-led pubs won't benefit from the VAT reduction extension as it does not apply to alcohol (image: Getty/Odairson Antonello Plans outlined in the Chancellor’s Spring Budget, such as the VAT cut extension, will lead to further brewery closures according to one trade body. “The Chancellor spent an extraordinary amount of taxpayers money to help keep the economy moving and jobs protected, pledging almost £59bn to policies including furlough extensions, continued business rates cuts, grants for hospitality of up to £9,000 and a series of investment initiatives," Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) chief executive James Calder said.