UK drinks industry calls on the Chancellor to not raise excise duty ahead of Budget

Drinks industry unites ahead of Autumn Statement

THE UK Drinks Industry has united in a call to the Chancellor to not raise excise duty on alcoholic drinks in the upcoming Autumn Budget announcement.

With less than two weeks until Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, reveals her Budget to the house, seven trade bodies representing drinks producers across the UK have released a joint statement urging the Chancellor to support the sector and not raise duty.

The full statement is as follows:

“Brewers, distillers, vintners and cider makers are all facing significant challenges – investment is stalled and more jobs are being lost every day. This includes the hospitality sector, in which our industries play a vital role.

“Across the UK’s pubs, bars, restaurants, visitor experiences and retailers, costs have risen at a time when households are feeling the pinch. With one voice we want to be clear, as we were with the Exchequer Secretary today – now is not the time to raise excise duty.

“By making the positive, growth driven choice to not increase duties, the Chancellor can show she understands the pressures our industries face. More than that, she can give our sector the confidence to invest, to create jobs, and to return to growth. 

“Our members are committed to working with government to generate the revenues necessary to support vital public services. More investment, more jobs and more sales will do this, not more taxation. 

“We hope the Chancellor will back our sector, and in doing so boost the economy.”

The trade bodies behind the statement are: British Beer and Pub Association, National Association of Cider Makers, Scotch Whisky Association, Society of Independent Brewers and Associates, UK Spirits Alliance, WineGB and the Wine and Spirits Trade Association.

Reeves is set to deliver the Autumn Statement to the house on Wednesday 26 November.