Have your say on alcohol tax reform

The industry has been given six weeks to present the government with "robust evidence" showing the potential impact of any changes to the alcohol tax system.

The Treasury yesterday published further details of its review of alcohol duties, which includes plans to hike taxes on high-strength drinks.

Other "targeted measures" which impact on public order or health will also be examined.

An "informal" consultation has now kicked-off and submissions are being sought by a deadline of August 31, with licensees being invited to respond.

Workshops will also be held over the summer to discuss the review, and the Treasury expects to report back on the results of the review this autumn.

Any changes are expected to be implemented in next year's Budget in April, as confirmed in a Home Office timetable document published yesterday.

The review will consider:

• the rates and structure of duty on different drinks

• the differential between duty rates on low and high strength products

• the interaction between tax and price

It will also look at the impact on tax receipts; the industry and wider economy; and public order and public health.

The Treasury website states: "The government will be particularly interested in the provision of robust evidence to demonstrate the economic or social impacts of any proposals."

Meanwhile, a change in the definition of cider is set to become law in September. This will mean higher duty rates for cheap, strong cider, as a drink will have to have a minimum juice content to qualify for normal cider duty rates.

To respond to the review or attend a workshop email: alcohol.review@hmtreasury.gsi.gov.uk