The Government yesterday launched its consultation into the proposed introduction of duty stamps on beer bottles, cans and containers below 10 litres.
According to the consultation document: “Beer fraud is currently the most significant of all the alcohol frauds affecting the UK, with the latest estimates indicating that between 5-14% of total beer consumption is illicit, implying tax losses of approximately £500m per year.”
However, the Government is suggesting exclusions for a range of products that are perceived as low risk for fraud.
These include all draught beers, all beer at 2.8 ABV or below, small brewery beer or those qualifying for duty relief, which is 200,000 hectolitres per annum.
The Government is proposing the mark on beer be similar to that on cigarettes - currently 3cm by 1cm, containing the words in black text “UK DUTY PAID” on a white background.
It is also considering duty stamps on wine as part of the consultation.
The period of formal consultation will run from to 25 June 2012, lasting a total of 13 weeks.
All responses must be emailed to john.c.waller@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk