Population supports duty freeze, says BBPA

Three quarters of the UK population supports either a freeze or cut in alcohol duty, according to the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA).

With the Chancellor's emergency Budget just a day away, a poll conducted by the BBPA also found that 65 per cent of the British public think that George Osborne should help pubs by not increasing tax.

The survey found that 60 per cent think tax policy should support beer as a lower strength drink.

An increase of VAT to 20 per cent and a rise of two per cent above inflation increase in duty would increase the price of a pint in pubs by more than 10p, the trade body said.

Brigid Simmonds, the BBPA's chief executive, said: "There is growing public anger at the prospect of a double whammy tax hike on beer. With dozens of pubs closing every week across the country, such a move from the Chancellor can only mean more communities being hit."

"Pubs needed support, not more taxation", she added.

"Beer tax has increased by 26 per cent in the last two years alone and a VAT increase to 20 per cent would in itself put the price of a pint of beer in pubs up by six pence - and cost 7,000 jobs. A rise in duty on top would put up the price of a pint by more than 10 pence 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."

The BBPA, the Campaign for Real Ale and the Society of Independent Brewers have united for the first time in order to present the industry's case to the Treasury.

Recent news reports suggested that Osborne may be tempted raise duty on alcohol by five per cent when he gives his emergency Budget at 12.30pm tomorrow.