Duty changes are a ‘step backwards’ in reducing problem drinking, warns Swanswell
Changes to alcohol duty announced in today’s budget are a step backwards in reducing problem alcohol use, according to Swanswell.The national recovery charity, which wants to achieve a society free from problem alcohol and drug use, is responding to Chancellor George Osborne’s fifth statement to the House of Commons. As part of his annual budget, Mr Osborne cut a further 1p from a pint of beer and froze duty on Scotch Whisky and ‘ordinary’ cider. The Alcohol Duty Escalator – which automatically increases tax on alcohol by 2% above inflation – has also been scrapped (The Grocer