Britain pays second highest tax rate on beer in the whole of Europe amid calls for cuts

 

Drinkers in Germany and Spain – two of the cheapest countries – are charged around 4p per pint in tax

 

Source: The Mirror

BYSTEPHEN HAYWARD

21 JAN 2017

 

Million of beer drinkers are being urged to get behind a new campaign to cut the tax on a pint.

 

We pay around 53p per pint in beer duty, the second highest tax rate in Europe after Finland.

 

Drinkers in Germany and Spain – two of the cheapest countries – are charged around 4p per pint in tax.

 

While a UK pint costs an average £3.33, an equivalent beer in Germany works out at £2.30 while in Spain it is £1.75.

 

Now industry chiefs have launched a new website where drinkers can write to their MP urging the Chancellor to cut beer duty at the next Budget.

 

The British Beer and Pub Association – which has launched the website cutbeertax.co.uk – says three 1p cuts between 2013 and 2015 and a freeze in beer duty last year helped secure thousands of jobs.

 

But after a series of above inflation hikes in previous years, it believes the tax is still far too high.

 

BBPA boss Brigid Simmonds said: “In recent years, the Government has cut beer tax three times, and opted for a freeze on duty last year. Strong support from MPs and the public really helped our campaign work, and the data shows that there are great benefits to be gained from a further cut.”

 

The move comes as the Campaign for Real Ale says an average 21 pubs are closing each week after after years of declining beer sales

 

Camra chairman Colin Valentine said: “With beer tax at 53p on the pint, beer drinkers are still paying a notable amount – especially in comparison to other big brewing nations.

 

“A cut to beer duty will show government support for the British brewing industry and keep the price of beer down for drinkers.”

 

A combination of high rents and taxes and cut-throat competition from supermarkets stocking cheap beer has been blamed for the dwinding number of pubs, down from 67,800 in 1982 to fewer than 52,000 now.

 

The Sunday Mirror’s Save Our Pub campaign has called on the Tories to help struggling locals.

 

Ten most expensive per pint

 

Finland 72p

UK 53p

Ireland 50p

Sweden 43p

Slovenia 27p

Holland 17p

Denmark 16p

Italy 14.6p

Greece 14.1p

Cyprus 13p