End of taxing time for mead?

THE MAKERS of one of the nation’s most ancient drinks say a tax change could unlock a mead renaissance, writes David Williamson.

Mead-lovers have fermented honey for centuries but producers are now pushing for tax breaks that triggered the craft ale boom. The taxman classes mead as “made wine” and it’s taxed much higher than beer or cider.

Treasury minister Simon Clarke has stressed the Government’s commitment to review alcohol duty, spurring mead-makers’ hopes.

London-based entrepreneur Tom Gosnell said the tax incentives enjoyed by beer makers would “transform” Britain’s mead industry.