New tax changes mean higher prices for alcohol in pubs and stores, leaving drinkers facing a tough time ahead
London: Big changes are coming for drinkers. Alcohol prices in pubs and supermarkets are about to rise. New taxes on alcohol and packaging are hitting hard.
Experts are warning that this will be a tough blow for many. Miles Beale from the Wine and Spirit Trade Association says we should brace ourselves for higher prices.
Usually, alcohol duty goes up with inflation. But it was frozen for a while. Now, producers will have to raise prices on beer, wine, and spirits.
Emma McClarkin from the British Beer and Pub Association says these changes put businesses in a tough spot. They’re facing a £650 million increase in costs soon.
She points out that brewers and pubs are vital for the economy and jobs. But with these new costs, they might have to pass the burden onto customers.
Beale adds that the recent duty hike was the biggest in decades. It hurt sales and led to a loss of revenue for the Treasury. Thankfully, the government is starting to see that these hikes are not good for anyone.
