Subscriber login Close [x]
remember me
You are not logged in.

Survey: how will the Budget affect the drinks trade?

Published:  07 March, 2011

Chancellor George Osborne is dealing with mixed messages from the UK drinks trade as he puts the finishing touches to his March 23 Budget, and Harpers wants to find out how it will affect you.

Chancellor George Osborne is dealing with mixed messages from the UK drinks trade as he puts the finishing touches to his March 23 Budget, and Harpers wants to find out how it will affect you.

Although the Wine & Spirit Trade Association favours a total freeze in drinks duty, the British Beer & Pub Association is urging Osborne to penalise spirits in order to make beer relatively more affordable.


The coalition government has said it will continue the Labour administration's policy of increasing alcohol duty by two percentage points above the level of inflation. This could mean a 6% increase in drinks tax later this month.

Given the wider economic situation, few are predicting a surprise reprieve from Osborne in two weeks' time.


Harpers Wine & Spirit is gauging the mood in the drinks industry - and its opinion on how well it has argued its own case in the corridors of power - with a poll. To participate, follow this link
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GHDMRMV

Keywords: