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Draught pints to cost 1p less after tax change Draught pints to cost 1p less after tax change
(31 minutes later)
Draught pints will cost 1p less from the beginning of February following a cut in alcohol duty.Draught pints will cost 1p less from the beginning of February following a cut in alcohol duty.
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.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 employers' National Insurance contributions and minimum wage rises mean pint prices will ultimately go up as pubs pass on higher costs to customers.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 the beginning of next month, with both policies costing a combined £85m. A relief for craft alcohol producers also comes into effect from the beginning of next month, with both policies costing £85m.
The relief applies to draught drinks below 8.5% ABV, which equates to a 1p tax cut on an average-strength pint.The relief applies to draught drinks below 8.5% ABV, which equates to a 1p tax cut on an average-strength 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 policies would help pubs compete against cheap alcohol sold in supermarkets.The Society of Independent Brewers and Associates said the policies would 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 announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.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.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.
Last week, Wetherspoons chief executive Tim Martin said that higher employment expenses would cost the firm £80m a year.Last week, Wetherspoons chief executive Tim Martin said that higher employment expenses would cost the firm £80m a year.
He said measures announced in 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 measures announced in 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".
British Beer and Pub Association chief executive Emma McClarkin said pubs and brewers "now face an April cliff edge".British Beer and Pub Association chief executive Emma McClarkin said pubs and brewers "now face an April cliff edge".
However, unions have defended the increase in minimum wage and criticised large firms of "pleading poverty" while making big profits.However, 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 employers' National Insurance payments was needed to fix the public finances.The government has said the rise in employers' National Insurance payments was needed to fix the public finances.
The measures come at a time when the hospitality industry is already struggling.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 the cost 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.