Wolverhampton North East MP, Jane Stevenson, has welcomed that the Conservative Government is protecting the price of a pint by increasing the generosity of Draught Relief – meaning that from 1 August the alcohol duty paid for drinks on tap at the pub will be up to 11p less per pint than in a supermarket.
This will benefit the 3,485 pubs across the West Midlands now and in the future, as the Conservative Government has given a Brexit Pubs Guarantee to maintain the difference, so the duty paid at the pub for drinks on tap will always be lower than in the supermarket.
This is just one part of the biggest shake up of alcohol taxation in over a century – with the system being simplified so all drinks will now be taxed according to strength. Drinks such as sparkling wines, ciders, draught fruit ciders, liqueurs and ready to drink spirits – like a pre-mixed gin and tonic – will see their duty cut.
The Conservative Government is also backing Britain’s drinks industry, both with lower tax rates for lower alcohol products, and expanding tax reliefs for small producers so they have the freedom to grow and expand into new types of drink.
Increasing the generosity of Draught Relief will help our pubs in the face of rising prices, alongside the Conservative Government’s 5p fuel duty cut, decreases to National Insurance, support with energy bills, and cuts to business rates.
Keeping the duty paid on a pint and other drinks down – something we can only do thanks to Brexit – is just one of the ways the Conservative Government is delivering on its promise to halve inflation, as well as its work to grow the economy, reduce debt, cut waiting lists and stop the boats.
As a member of the All-Party Beer Group Jane is delighted to see this commitment to our pubs.
Commenting, Jane said:
"Pubs are a big part of our culture in the Black Country. Our local pubs are community hubs where regulars look out for each other. Pubs tackle loneliness and raise money for charity. This support will help sustain our brilliant pubs in Wolverhampton North East.
I'll be attending the CAMRA Great British Beer Festival this week with the Beer Group and I look forward to discussing the positive impact of these measures with breweries and landlords.”
Commenting, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury Gareth Davies, said:
“Our local pubs are a core part of British culture so we are doing all we can to support them with rising prices.
Increasing the generosity of Draught Relief so a pint on tap is cheaper than in the supermarket – and giving our Brexit Pubs Guarantee that we will maintain this difference – will keep costs down for pubs in our fight against inflation.
The Conservative Government is reaping the benefits of Brexit and delivering on its promise to halve inflation and grow the economy.”
