The Brewers and Malsters' Guild of Ireland, representing small brewing companies, is lobbying for a graduated excise system to be introduced in today's Budget to protect the industry from large brewer competition.

"In an industry which is plagued by high prices, price fixing and exclusive re-selling agreements, supporting the micro-brewing industry through excise reform represents a chance to mitigate the damages micro-brewers suffer under current market conditions," the guild, representing eight companies, stated.