Beer: Excise Duties

Asked by: Tom Gordon (Liberal Democrat - Harrogate and Knaresborough)

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking to help support independent breweries through the alcohol duty system.

Answered by James Murray - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises the important contribution of independent breweries to our economy and society.

Alongside the current alcohol duty freeze until 1 February 2025, the duty system gives specific support to small producers and products sold on draught:

• Small Producer Relief means that small brewers see reduced duty rates on all products below 8.5% alcohol by volume;
• and Draught Relief reduces duty on qualifying draught beers and ciders by 9.2%.