The voice of the wine and spirit industry

WSTA welcomes tax freeze

The WSTA welcomes today's Budget announcement that there will not be any further immediate increases in excise duty on wine and spirits.

The decision follows substantial increases in tax on alcohol in recent years.  Since the start of 2008 tax on wine and spirits has increased by 26% and 22% respectively.
 
This is the first time the Government has frozen excise duty since 2001.

WSTA Chief Executive Jeremy Beadles said:

 "Today's announcement provides some relief for a sector that has faced substantial tax increases in recent years and I welcome the Chancellor's decision.

"Repeated tax hikes have produced less revenue for the Treasury and punished responsible drinkers, while failing to tackle the problem of binge-drinking."

Ends

Notes to editors
The WSTA is the UK organisation for the wine and spirit industry representing over 320 companies producing, importing, transporting and selling wines and spirits.
We campaign to promote the industry's interests with governments at home and abroad.
We work with our members to promote the responsible production, marketing and sale of alcohol.

For more information please contact Gavin Partington:
Tel:  +44 (0) 20 7089 3876
Mob:  +44 (0) 7966 014058
Email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.