Trade bodies urge chancellor to cancel duty freeze reversal
In a joint statement to the chancellor, the group said that ‘stability has now been shaken, and confidence lost, due to the u-turn’
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The British Beer and Pub Association has united with Scotch Whiskey Association and Wine and Spirits Trade Association to call on the chancellor to cancel the double-digit tax hike on the UK’s world-class drinks industry.
In a joint statement to the chancellor, the group said that “stability has now been shaken, and confidence lost, due to the u-turn”.
The BBPA had previously criticised the decision to scrap the proposed freeze on alcohol duty, claiming it represents a “huge blow” to pubs and brewers.
The statement said: “The reversal of the duty freeze will mean a double-digit rise for beer, wine and spirits, industries which combined together contribute £13bn to the Exchequer through duty alone.
“For hard pressed consumers, this will mean a significant increase in the price of their favourite drinks at a time when our pubs, restaurants and shops are all struggling to manage increasing costs and keep their doors from shutting for good.”
