I emailed my MP to back an EDM on beer duty escalator which for own reasons was declined but the reply included
Quote:
Ministers have already taken a number of other steps to support British pubs. A community right to buy has been introduced which will enable residents to save struggling pubs by taking them over rather than seeing them lie empty and derelict. We are also cutting red tape to make it is easier for pub owners to attract new business by putting on live music events.
As well as acting to reverse the last Government’s hike on cider tax, this Government has taken action to promote responsible drinking by introducing a minimum juice content for cider. As you may also be aware the Coalition Agreement is clear that we will ban the sale of alcohol below cost price.
This is on top of the doubling of small business rate relief for another year, which will help publicans across the country during these difficult economic times, and the decision to appoint Bob Neill as the Minister responsible for community pubs.
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Good to see action on cider. I'd like to see similar on real beers too, duty free if your production is less than 70 hectolitres in a rolling 12 month period. Currently there is reduced rate at less than 60,000 hl so introducing a duty free band in line with cider would not change much in income.
On the budget I get hit because at the moment I get additional income for a job relocation. Although this is an expense, because it's fixed over a period the company work back to a gross figure and add to salary so I loose child benefit.
Surprised that people haven't suggesting banding the booze duty to hit more expensive items (within type) more so the percentage on a bottle of plonk is less than for a top vintage. I mean adding 5p (or 10 or 20) hits a £5 bottle more than a £500 bottle.