This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . The next check for changes will be

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg7zvrzm25lo

The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Draught pints to cost 1p less after tax change Draught pints to cost 1p less after tax change
(about 8 hours later)
Draught pints will cost 1p less from Thursday because of a cut in alcohol duty in a move intended to help the sector grow. Draught pints will cost 1p less from Thursday following a cut in alcohol duty that is intended to help the sector grow.
The 1.7% tax cut on the production of draught alcohol announced in the Budget last year is the first alcohol duty cut in a decade. The 1.7% tax drop on the production of draught alcohol announced in last year's Budget is the first alcohol duty cut in a decade.
However, critics have said increases in employer national insurance contributions and the minimum wage announced in the Budget mean pint prices will go up. However, critics have said increases in employers' National Insurance contributions and minimum wage rises mean pint prices will ultimately go up as pubs pass on higher costs to customers.
A relief for craft alcohol producers also comes into effect from Thursday, with both policies costing a combined £85m.A relief for craft alcohol producers also comes into effect from Thursday, with both policies costing a combined £85m.
"Our pubs and brewers are an essential part the fabric of the UK and our brilliant high streets," Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury James Murray said.
The relief applies to draught drinks below 8.5% ABV, which equates to a 1p tax cut on the average 4.58% pint.The relief applies to draught drinks below 8.5% ABV, which equates to a 1p tax cut on the average 4.58% pint.
The measure will affect three fifths of all alcoholic drinks sold in pubs, the government said.The measure will affect three fifths of all alcoholic drinks sold in pubs, the government said.
Meanwhile, the small producer relief is for products which are below 8.5% ABV, and tapers away the more alcohol is produced.Meanwhile, the small producer relief is for products which are below 8.5% ABV, and tapers away the more alcohol is produced.
The Society of Independent Brewers and Associates said the polcies will help pubs compete against cheap alcohol sold in supermarkets. The Society of Independent Brewers and Associates said the policies will help pubs compete against cheap alcohol sold in supermarkets.
'April cliff edge''April cliff edge'
However, critics have said the tax reliefs are not enough to counter other decisions made in the Budget. However, critics have said the tax reliefs are not enough to counter other decisions announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
From April, the minimum wage will rise by 6.7% for those aged 21 years or older to £12.21. At the same time, firms will also pay higher National Insurance contributions.
Some pub owners have said they are looking at a 30p to 40p increase on a pint because of higher employment costs.Some pub owners have said they are looking at a 30p to 40p increase on a pint because of higher employment costs.
Wetherspoons chief executive Tim Martin said in the pub chain group's results last week that higher employment costs will cost the firm £80m a year. Wetherspoons chief executive Tim Martin said in the pub chain group's results last week that higher employment expenses will cost the firm £80m a year.
He said the measures from the Budget "have a significantly bigger impact on pub and restaurant companies than supermarkets" and accused politicians of being "dinner party goers, rather than pub goers".He said the measures from the Budget "have a significantly bigger impact on pub and restaurant companies than supermarkets" and accused politicians of being "dinner party goers, rather than pub goers".
"Following the wider Budget announcements, pubs and brewers now face an April cliff edge," said British Beer and Pub Association chief executive Emma McClarkin, referring to when measures in the Budget will come into effect. British Beer and Pub Association chief executive, Emma McClarkin, said pubs and brewers "now face an April cliff edge".
Unions have defended the increase in minimum wage and criticised large firms of "pleading poverty" while making large profits. Unions have defended the increase in minimum wage and criticised large firms of "pleading poverty" while making big profits.
The government has said the rise in employer national insurance was needed to fix the public finances.The government has said the rise in employer national insurance was needed to fix the public finances.
The measures come at a time when the hospitality industry is already struggling, and contracting in order to brace against a raft of cost increases from April. The measures come at a time when the hospitality industry is already struggling.
Several bars, pubs, and restaurants have already said their venues are "eerily quiet" because people are not spending enough due to rising costs of living. Several bars, pubs, and restaurants have already said their venues are "eerily quiet" because people are not spending enough due to the cost of living.