'Extremely worrying step in the wrong direction!' Beer bottles could be phased out as Labour slap pubs with 'Net Zero tax'

Industry leaders warn the move could reshape Britain's beer market, with many manufacturers likely to switch to cans to avoid the additional expense.

The scheme aims to reduce the use of heavier packaging materials such as glass.

Some of Britain's most recognisable beer bottles could become relics of the past, including Newcastle Brown Ale's distinctive pint bottle.

The traditional porcelain-topped Grolsch flask may also disappear from shelves.

Even Corona's signature serve, with its lime wedged in the bottle neck, could become history.

These changes threaten to end decades-old drinking traditions as manufacturers face pressure to abandon glass packaging.

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, warns the new costs would impose an additional £160million burden on the sector.

"Given the incredibly narrow margins UK brewers operate to, as they make an average of 2p per bottle of beer, this means they will be forced to pass on extra painful costs to the consumer," she told The Morning Advertiser.

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The revised estimates for glass costs represent "an extremely worrying step in the wrong direction," according to McClarkin.

Some brewers may be forced to abandon the glass bottle market entirely.

British Glass chief executive Dave Dalton has warned the scheme threatens thousands of jobs across the industry.

The glass sector's supply chain currently employs 120,000 people in the UK.

"The bottom line is that the Government's packaging Extended Producer Responsibility scheme is putting thousands of jobs at risk," said Dalton.

He also cautioned that costs could escalate beyond initial estimates "once additional supply chain costs and VAT are added."

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs defended the scheme, stating it would shift packaging waste costs from taxpayers to producers.

A spokesperson said: "We are committed to cracking down on waste and boosting recycling."

The government claims the reforms will generate 21,000 new jobs over the next decade.

Officials also project more than £10billion in recycling investment, while "meaning taxpayers don't foot the bill for managing waste."

The new scheme could hit household budgets hard, with government analysis suggesting annual grocery bills may rise by up to £56 per household.