Trade groups unite to fight duty rises
16 January, 2009
Five major drinks industry bodies to put in joint Budget submission
The five major drinks industry trade groups are uniting to urge the government to abandon the alcohol tax escalator and pledge no further increases in March’s Budget.
The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), Wine and Spirit Trade Association, Gin and Vodka Association, National Association of Cider Makers and Scotch Whisky Association will present a joint submission to the Treasury calling for a rethink after last year’s 17 per cent leap in excise duty.
The duty escalator, announced in last year’ Budget, is set to take effect in March and will mean a two per cent rise above the rate of inflation on all alcohol products.
A spokesman for the five trade associations said: “It’s a bitter irony that a government which claims it is committed to helping business is forcing job losses with tax increases which are also failing to meet their revenue raising objectives.
“We are not asking for special treatment. We simply ask not to be punished by further tax increases at the worst possible time. The last thing any business in the UK needs is higher costs.”
