Greg Welcomes New Boost for Pubs

Greg has welcomed the largest tax reform on alcohol in over 140 years which will see over 38,000 UK pubs benefit from lower alcohol tax on the drinks they pour from tap.

Tax paid on pints and on some other drinks in pubs is now up to 11p cheaper than their supermarket equivalents thanks to ‘Draught Relief’, which effectively freezes or cuts the alcohol duty on the majority of drinks in pubs and helps level the playing field by protecting pubs, which are often undercut by supermarket competitors.

Other changes to the alcohol duty system also come into effect this month, which see drinks taxed by strength for the first time and a new relief – named Small Producer Relief – designed to help small businesses and start-ups innovate and grow.

Sir Greg said: “I welcome the Government further supporting the hospitality industry which is essential to our tourism economy. Additional action should not be ruled out either as our pubs are often the heart of our local community, especially in rural areas”.

Sir Greg, who has long campaigned for extra help for local pubs, was last year nominated by the British Beer & Pub Association and the ‘Long Live the Local campaign’ as one of their ‘Parliamentary Champions’ for his work in supporting the pub and hospitality sector.