Tories 'hit responsible pub goers' as scotch drinkers taxed more than cider drinkers

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Analysis by the Scotch Whiskey Association found that whiskey drinkers would pay £200 a year more in tax than people who order pints of cider

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The Tories are clinging to “outdated stereotypes” of pub-goers and unfairly hitting “responsible drinkers” with tax rises, industry figures have warned.

Analysis by the Scotch Whiskey Association found that whiskey drinkers would pay £200 a year more in tax than people who order pints of cider. This is after Jeremy Hunt imposed an anti-inflationary 10.1% tariff increase on spirits served in pubs, which came into force on August 1.

Mark Kent, the group's chief executive, said: “There's more to the pub than a pint, and it's high time the Government realized that. A third of alcohol sales in pubs, bars and restaurants are Scotch whiskey and other spirits. »

The Treasury has defended changes to alcohol taxes, saying it was “common sense” to tax drinks based on their strength. The alcohol limit recommended by the chief medical officer is 14 units per week. The combined duty and VAT on 14 units of cider in pubs is £1.47, while the same number of units of whiskey is taxed at £5.32.

Mr. Kent added: “It's clear that responsible consumers want alternatives to beer and cider, but the Government's increase in taxes means they will pay a lot for their drink of choice even if they consume the same quantity of alcohol. The Chancellor is expected to rule out any further increases in duties on scotch and spirits. It should support these products, not cling to outdated perceptions of the pub and offer tax breaks for beer and cider in large quantities which contain more units of alcohol than a glass of scotch. »

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