Trade figures' reaction to the Budget
"We would have preferred a decision similar to last year's duty freeze on beer. The increase shows a lack of support for the brewing industry from the UK Government compared to other EU countries where there is support for domestic drinks products and duty remains several times lower, for example beer in Germany and wine in southern European countries."Stewart Gilliland, Chief Executive, Interbrew UK and Ireland
"We understand that the Government needs to raise extra cash in this Budget, but increasing beer duty is a flawed strategy. As people only have so much cash to spend in pubs and bars, increasing duty reduces average consumption which in turn reduces revenues from beer duty. This increase is a blow for consumers after freezes in the last two Budgets indicated a more sensible approach from the Government."Mike Benner, Head of Campaigns and Communications, CAMRA
"The increase on still wine is scandalous and above inflation. This will increase cross-border shopping and smuggling. All the Chancellor has done is export some more jobs into Calais.
"It will also mean that wine-based RTD products will also increase in price. It's a further stealth tax as this wasn't explained by Gordon Brown in his Budget."We are very disappointed he didn't see the need to support British wineries. This will cause further damage to the rural economy."Jo Williamson, Chairman of the Wine and Spirit Association
"We are delighted that the Chancellor has listened to our case. It reduces the tax discrimination against spirits compared to imported wine. This is vital at a time when producers of a indigenous UK product have been pressed hard by increased costs and foreign competition." Edwin Atkinson, Director General of the Gin and Vodka Association
