UK Chancellor John Healey to raise beer duty by 2p per pint

Key facts

• Beer duty to rise by 2p per pint.
• The increase is linked to RPI inflation of 3.9%.
• Wine and spirits duties will also increase.
• Small brewers will receive £10 million in tax relief.

UK Chancellor John Healey is set to increase beer duty by 2p per pint, adding to costs for pubs and consumers. The rise, linked to the Retail Prices Index (RPI) of 3.9%, will also affect wine and spirits. The duty on a bottle of wine will rise by 10p to 12p, and on a bottle of 37.5% spirit by 35p. The government also announced £10 million in alcohol duty tax relief for over 2,000 small brewers. The increase comes despite pressure from the hospitality industry to freeze alcohol duty.