Cost of ‘problem’ alcohol to rise as drinks tax is frozen

STRONG, “problem” alcohol is due to get more expensive while the cost of the average pint remains static, the Chancellor said.

Announcing a freeze on duty paid on most ciders, wines, spirits and beer, Philip Hammond said the Government was “recognising the pressure on household budgets and backing our great British pubs”.

He said: “This will mean a bottle of whisky will be £1.15 less in 2018 than if we had continued with Labour’s plans, and a pint of beer 12p less.” However, duty on “cheap, high-strength, lowquality products, especially so-called white ciders” would be increased.

The measure is intended to tackle “dependent, street and under-age drinking”, Treasury documents said.

Currently all cider attracts a lower duty rate to encourage the traditional industry, but the policy aims to separate the majority of products from the stronger, cheaper varieties, which are generally bought from shops.

Duty is due to rise on strong, still cider and perry from 2019.