Ben Bradley has welcomed the government’s decision to extend the alcohol duty freeze for a further six months, helping pubs, distilleries and breweries across Mansfield and Warsop.
Supporting local pubs and distilleries is one the most popular campaigns in Mansfield, with hundreds of constituents having contacted Ben regarding this issue. As such, Ben has been consistently raising the issue of support for pubs with government.
The current alcohol duty freeze was announced at Autumn Budget 2021, saving consumers over £3 billion over five years. It was expected to come to an end on 1 February 2023 but this action extends the relief and gives the alcohol sector more time to prepare for the new, simpler alcohol tax system due to come in next year.
The new alcohol tax system will adopt a common-sense approach, where the higher a drink’s strength the higher the duty, whilst new reliefs will be made available to help pubs and breweries thrive.
New Draught Relief will be worth £100 million a year and will ensure smaller craft producers can benefit, the threshold for qualifying containers will be 20 litres.
Small Brewers Relief will be renamed Small Producer Relief, reformed and expanded, meaning that all producers that make drinks below 8.5 percent–mostly craft brewers and cidermakers–will be able to get relief on their products.
The wine industry will also be supported as they adapt to the new system. All wine between 11.5-14.5 percent alcohol by volume (ABV) to calculate duty as if it were 12.5 percent ABV for 18 months from the implementation of the new system.
Commenting, Ben stated:
‘As the hospitality sector recovers from the pandemic and faces higher energy prices, it is right to support our pubs, distilleries and breweries across Mansfield and Warsop.’
‘That is why I welcome the announcement that alcohol duty will be frozen for a further six months, as part of a larger commitment to radically simplify the tax system and slash red tape.’
‘I recognise just how important supporting local pubs is, they are not only important local businesses but often community hubs where people can come together. I am grateful to the hundreds of constituents who have contacted me voicing their support for local pubs and I have been tirelessly raising their concerns with ministers.’
‘This action will give pubs, breweries and industry representatives more time to get ready for the new, alcohol tax system due to come in next year while providing certainty to local pubs in Mansfield.’
Commenting, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury James Cartlidge said:
‘Today’s announcement reflects this government’s commitment to responsible management of the UK economy.’
‘The alcohol sector is vital to our great country’s social fabric, and we have listened to pubs, breweries and industry reps concerned about their future as they get ready for the new, simpler, alcohol tax system coming in, which why we have acted now and with decisiveness.’
