Beer duty needs to be cut to stop UK drinkers paying up to 12 TIMES more tax on a pint than other nations. The figure in the UK is some 12 times higher than in Germany and Spain with a figure of 54.2p in duty per pint versus 4.6p.
In a letter to the government, ahead of the General Election between the Conservative Party and Labour Party on July 4, the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) have written to party leaders asking for a fair deal for drinkers has made the call.
The letter said: “Our sector is among the highest taxed sectors in the economy. For every three pounds spent in a pub, one pound goes straight to the tax man. The upcoming Euro 2024 Championships brings into sharp focus the extent to which beer remains over-taxed. British beer drinkers cheering on England and Scotland pay 54p duty per pint compared to German or Spanish fans paying less than 5p.
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“Combined with high costs such as energy, publicans currently only make an average 12p profit on the average £4.80 pint in the UK.” It adds: “Whilst there has been recognition and acknowledgement from successive governments on the important role that pubs and brewers play in our society, a step change is required to secure its future and to promote and celebrate such an intrinsic part of British life that brings combined economic, social, and cultural value to almost every community around the country.”
Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the BBPA, said: “Football fans know that the best place to watch live sport, if you can’t be in the stadium itself, is down the pub. Whether you are supporting England or Scotland or cheering on another team, there can be no better place to watch the Euros and sharing a few refreshing beers than with friends than in your local.
“It is a stark fact that UK pub goers will be paying the highest beer duty than any of the other competing nations in the Euros, including twelve times more then German and Spanish rates. However, with a predicted extra 20 million pints set to be poured during the tournament, worth an extra £93 million in sales, I encourage anyone wanting to watch the football to go to the pub and support their local.”