In Bath and the South West, we know better than most how beneficial the cider industry, as well as wine, beer and spirits industries, benefit the local and national economy; ranging from producers and suppliers to pubs, hotels and restaurants. I am therefore pleased the Chancellor has listened to the concerns of many individuals and reduced the level of alcohol duty on beer, cider and spirits, while freezing it for wine. I will be pleased to share this news with a start-up brewery firm who I will soon be meeting in Bath.
For the third year in a row, the tax on a typical pint of beer has been cut by 1p. This means that an average pint of beer is 9p cheaper than it would have been under Labour's plans when they were in power. The duty on spirits and on cider has also been cut by 2 per cent as I know many had campaigned for, while the duty on wine will be frozen. This will keep the duties on beer and wine broadly similar.
I know that the Budget will be delivered in March but I am unable to comment on any policy announcements prior to this. I know the Government is committed to supporting pubs, alongside helping those who work in the beer, spirits, wine and cider industries right across the UK and my colleagues and I will be meeting representatives from the beer and cider industry in the coming months to discuss initiatives.