l Beer up 1p
l Cider up 1p
l Wine up 5p
l Sparkling wine up 7p
l Spirits frozen
Chancellor Gordon Brown has been accused of turning his back on British brewers and pubs by slapping another 1p tax on the price of a pint of beer. The move is expected to result in a rise of around 5p in the price of a pint in pubs.
This week's Budget also saw 1p on a pint of cider, 5p on wine and 7p on sparkling wine, while duty on spirits was frozen.
British Beer & Pub Association director of communications Mark Hastings said: "This is a slap in the face for one of Britain's world-beating businesses. Gordon Brown has chosen to turn his back on a brewing sector facing intense pressure from rapid cost inflation and the forthcoming smoking ban.
"Beer already pays £5.9bn in tax - more than any other drink. Beer sales continue to sink while other drinks are enjoying a surge in popularity. This is another missed opportunity for one of Britain's great home-grown industries at a time when it is facing very severe pressures."
Campaign for Real Ale chief executive Mike Benner said: "This is a false economy for the Government as we may now see an exodus from pubs after beer prices rise.
"At a time when 56 pubs a month are closing, the smoking ban is imminent and supermarkets are selling beer at ridiculously low prices, British pubs needed a lifeline from their government and that has been denied them."
John McNamara, BII chief executive, said: "Licensees need to be concentrating on making their pubs the place to go after the smoking ban and not becoming preoccupied with the issues of the cost of a pint."
Simon Russell, spokesman for the National Association of Cider Makers, said: "This increase is disappointing following the very welcome 2% reduction in 2002 and successive duty freezes. The cider industry is now facing very competitive market conditions and it needs continued duty stability."
Bernard Brindley, freehold licensee of the White Lion in Pailton, Warwickshire, said the pub had already increased its beer prices by 10p a few weeks ago when the brewery price rises came into effect.
Brindley will not increase them again following the Budget, but rises may be necessary on wine.
"We are delighted that spirits are not affected but disappointed that beer and wine have been put up. Bearing in mind that the biggest thing affecting business is off-sales this will encourage more people to drink at home."
l How much will you push your prices up? Call Joe Lutrario on 01293 610234