Budget latest: Beer drinkers ‘ale’ the Chancellor as the beer duty escalator scrapped (From Redditch Advertiser)

Budget latest: Beer drinkers ‘ale’ the Chancellor as the beer duty escalator scrapped

1:50pm Wednesday 20th March 2013 in News

MEMBERS of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) have welcomed the scrapping of the "despised" beer duty escalator.

In today’s budget the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave a boost to pub drinkers by announcing he was scrapping the beer duty escalator.

In addition to this the three pence planned increase by the last Government has been reversed to a one pence cut.

Mike Benner, CAMRA chief executive said: “This is a momentous day for Britain's beer drinkers, who will tonight be raising a glass to the Chancellor for axing this damaging tax escalator and helping keep pub-going affordable for hard-pressed consumers.

"This decision will keep the lid on the cost of a pint down the pub.

“Since the duty escalator was introduced in 2008, 5800 pubs have been forced to call last orders for good.

"What could have been the final nail in the coffin for our pubs has been decisively avoided by the Chancellor in a move that will spark celebration in pubs across the UK.”

Redditch MP Karen Lumley said: “I am absolutely delighted that the beer duty escalator has been scrapped today along with a one pence cut in beer tax.

"I have been campaigning for this in Parliament and know as a member of CAMRA how much the scrapping of this despised beer duty escalator will help in allowing people enjoy a cheaper pint in the local pub.

"It rewards responsible drinkers and provides a real help to the pub industry here in Redditch.”