EU to review tax change which could put West Country cider makers out of business

The European Commission has promised to review a tax which could put hundreds of small cider producers in the South West out of business. Cider-makers would be forced to pay nearly £3,000 a year under the new ruling, which critics say is unsustainable.

A delegation - led by a Somerset cider company - travelled to Strasbourg to challenge the ruling. To be classified as a small cider maker you have to be selling less than 33 pints a day - and generally this means you'll be earning no more than £10,000 pounds a year.

With the European Union wanting to scrap the 'duty exemption' - orchards could face annual charges of nearly £3,000 pounds. Critics say this would force hundreds of producers out of business.