As announced at the 2017 Autumn Budget, tax on beer, cider, wine and spirits have again been frozen. This follows the removal of the beer duty escalator in 2013 and the unprecedented cuts and freezes in beer duty since then, as well as the removal of the duty escalator for spirits, wine and cider in 2014.
When the beer duty escalator was removed in 2013, duty was simultaneously cut by 1p. This was followed by further 1p cuts in both 2014 and 2015, and a freeze in 2016. It is great news that the Government was able to deliver this, in order to support the brewing industry and local pubs.
Pubs make an important contribution to our local communities, and the Government's efforts to support this through the taxation system are welcome.
A £1,000 discount on business rate bills is being applied in both 2017-18 and 2018-19 for all pubs with a rateable value lower than £100,000. This applies to 90 per cent of pubs and is in recognition of the valuable role they play in our communities.
All taxes are kept under review as part of the budget process. The Government is continuing to look at ways to improve the system of alcohol taxation, to ensure it helps to tackle binge drinking without unfairly penalising responsible drinkers, pubs and important local industries.