Camra: scrap duty on low abv beers

The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) wants the Government to introduce a "People's Pint" by abolishing duty on all beers below 2.8% abv.

Camra believes the move could save customers 60p on a pub pint while also encouraging sensible drinking habits.

The group said the move would help get people back into pubs at a time when they are closing at the rate of 52 a week due to the recession, beer tax and fierce competition from supermarkets using alcohol as a loss-leader.

"Zero duty on lower strength beers is a win-win scenario for brewers, pubs, consumers and the Government," said Camra chief executive Mike Benner.

"Quality lower strength beers can be packed with flavour — a lower alcohol content does not need to translate into a reduction in flavour. For the consumer, this proposal means greater choice as well as a saving at the bar if they opt for a beer of 2.8% abv or less.

"For the Government, this is an opportunity to make it easier for people to drink responsibly whilst also supporting the tens of thousands of jobs under threat as a result of falling beer sales and pub closures."

Don Shenker, Alcohol Concern chief executive, backed the call. "We support Camra's call to revisit the issue of alcohol duty in order to encourage the drinks industry to produce lower strength beers.

"People are entitled to have more choice and greater control over their own drinking. Having more lower strength drinks on the market allows people to enjoy a night out while making it easier to stay within safe drinking guidelines."

Legal​

Benner said the move would be legal under European law and that research had shown 55% were in favour of a lower abv option. He believes the move would not lead to a further reduction in supermarket prices.

"Pubs provide a safe and sociable place for adults to enjoy alcohol responsibly and it is essential that the Government supports our campaign to enable pubs to compete more effectively with ludicrously low supermarket beer prices," said Benner.

Camra will be showcasing Welton's Brewery's 2.8% abv beer 'Pride 'n' Joy' at the Great British Beer Festival being held in Earls Court, London this week as an example. "There is certainly already a consumer demand for a low-strength beer option in pubs, but to further this, there needs to be a national campaign in order to champion its merits," said Ray Welton, head brewer at Welton's Brewery.