Duty rates for beer, cider, wine, and spirits axed

The chancellor has announced an 18-month transitional measure for wine duty.

The government will also extend draught relief to cover smaller kegs of 20 litres and above, “to help smaller breweries”.

The planned increases in the duty rates for beer, for cider, for wine, and for spirits will all be cancelled, he adds.

He said: “I have listened to industry concerns about the ongoing reforms. I will therefore introduce an 18-month transitional measure for wine duty. I will also extend draught relief to cover smaller kegs of 20 litres and above, to help smaller breweries.

“And, at this difficult time, we are not going to let alcohol duty rates rise in line with RPI.

“So I can announce that the planned increases in the duty rates for beer, for cider, for wine, and for spirits will all be cancelled.”