Trade bodies urge chancellor to cancel duty freeze reversal

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.”