Public calls for beer tax freeze

Three quarters of the British public want a freeze or reduction in beer tax, according to the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).

A BBPA poll of 1,011 people found that 65% of the public want Chancellor George Osborne to back pubs by not increasing tax and 60% think tax policy should support beer as a lower strength drink.

The results come just a day before Osborne reveals the emergency Budget amid fears pubs will be hit with increases in both VAT and alcohol duty.

A report by Oxford Economics stated that an increase of VAT to 20% and a rise of 2% above inflation hike in duty would raise the price of a pint by more than 10p and cause the loss of more than 7,000 jobs a year.

The BBPA, Campaign for Real Ale and the Society of Independent Brewers are calling on the Chancellor to support the pub sector in the Budget tomorrow.

"There is growing public anger at the prospect of a double whammy tax hike on beer," said BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds.

"With dozens of pubs closing every week across the country, such a move from the Chancellor can only mean more communities being hit.

"The Great British pub is the lifeblood of local communities and need support, not another tax. Beer tax has increased by 26% in the last two years alone and a VAT increase to 20% would in itself put the price of a pint of beer in pubs up by 6p — and cost 7,000 jobs. A rise in duty on top would put up the price of a pint by more than 10p and would have an even more devastating impact on pubs and jobs.

"It is time for the Government to back the pub to help the economic recovery and support community life."