Changes that will allow pubs to host guest beers and support local brewers have been welcomed.

Plaid Cymru MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Liz Saville Roberts says the move is a significant win for independent brewers in her constituency.

The UK Government announced in the budget that it was committed to introducing a Guest Beer Provision, following years of campaigning for fairer market access.

The measure will allow tied pub tenants to offer a guest beer, helping more locally brewed products reach pub bars across Wales.

Mrs Saville Roberts has been actively involved in efforts to address market access barriers facing independent breweries, working with brewers such as Purple Moose in Porthmadog and industry campaigners such as SIBA (Society of Independent Brewers and Associates) to raise the issue with ministers and support calls for reform.

Earlier this year, she hosted a parliamentary briefing on the Guest Beer Agreement campaign involving independent brewers and MPs, ahead of discussions with ministers on improving market access for local breweries.

Mrs Saville Roberts MP said: "Dwyfor Meirionnydd is home to outstanding independent breweries such as Purple Moose, Porthmadog; Cwrw Llŷn, Nefyn and Bragdy Lleu, Penygroes.

"They produce high-quality beers which are deeply rooted in their local communities.

"For too long, many of those businesses have faced unnecessary barriers in getting their products into pubs even when there is strong demand from customers for more choice and more local products.

"The UK Government’s commitment to introduce a Guest Beer Provision is welcome recognition that consumers want greater choice and that local breweries deserve a fair opportunity to compete.

"Independent breweries in my constituency create skilled jobs, support the Gwynedd economy and contribute enormously to the character of our communities.

"This change has the potential to open new markets for Welsh brewers while allowing more pub-goers to enjoy locally produced beers.

"I have previously worked with local brewers and industry representatives to press the case for reform and greater market access.

"I am pleased that the Government has listened and is now taking positive steps.

"The detail of the legislation will be important. I’ll continue engaging with ministers and the sector to ensure the new arrangements deliver meaningful opportunities for independent brewers in Wales.

Lawrence Washington, Managing Director of Purple Moose Brewery Ltd said: "This is fantastic news and a significant morale boost for the UK’s independent brewers in this particularly challenging period for the industry.

"It is encouraging that the Government has listened to the issues faced by our sector in gaining access to market.

"I would like to thank Liz for her support for this cause and her ongoing help for our industry."

Andy Slee, Society of Independent Brewers and Associates Chief Executive, also welcomed the news, saying: “The right to a guest beer will permit landlords in large pub company pubs in England and Wales to sell what customers want.

“Accessing the local pubs has been a barrier to growth for independent brewers who say they can’t sell to around 62% of the pubs in their local communities because of restrict market access. This is despite 80% of beer drinkers wanting to see local beers on the bar.