Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) ONS data showing an increase in the relative affordability of alcohol compared to fruit juice, and (2) the implications of this trend for their planned duty freeze on alcoholic drinks.

The Government will continue to assess the impact of its decisions on alcohol duties, including the duty freeze until 1 August 2023, and aims to balance its public health objectives with support for businesses.

The alcohol duty reforms will tax all alcohol according to strength for the first time from 1 August 2023. This will make low cost high ABV drinks, such as white ciders, more expensive and reduce the affordability of drinks more associated with alcohol harm.