Scrap beer duty escalator campaign needs consumer support, says TaxPayers' Alliance

That’s the view of Matthew Sinclair, chief executive of consumer organisation TaxPayers’ Alliance, which launched Mash Beer Tax today.

Speaking exclusively to the Publican’s Morning Advertiser, Sinclair said: “When [the escalator] first came in, all the politicians were lined up behind it. They have started to realise that their constituents don’t want them to be saying that, which is why the mashbeertax.org site has been a particular focus for us. If we can get constituents writing to them, we end this idea that it’s a sin to go to the pub.

“If we can make beer like fuel - something where politicians have to be really careful about increasing because they know that consumers care about the issue, MPs and their constituents care about the issue - then that’s a really good win.”

He added: “The publicans are important and they need to make their voice heard but there are only so many of them. The consumers can drive MPs.”

The TaxPayers’ Alliance Mash Beer Tax campaign has been welcomed by the trade and national newspaper The Sun.

British Beer and Pub Association chief executive Brigid Simmonds said: “With the TaxPayers’ Alliance and The Sun calling for an end to excessive beer tax hikes, this campaign shows that consumer support for a duty freeze is growing fast. With a tax freeze, the industry could create jobs for the chancellor, and at the same time protect Treasury revenues.”

Wine & Spirit Trade Association chief executive Miles Beale added: “We welcome this TaxPayers’ Alliance campaign which highlights the devastating impact of the alcohol duty escalator on our industry.

“The alcohol duty escalator has had a significant impact on the wider wines and spirits industry.  And any increase in alcohol duty will have an immediate impact on pubs. It is important that we send a clear message to Government that the only way to support the pub industry is to scrap the alcohol duty escalator immediately.”