Business · Companies · 9 hrs ago
UK alcohol duty rise to push up pub pint and wine prices
Chancellor John Healey’s Budget keeps a planned rise in alcohol duty for February, linked to retail price inflation.
The increase is expected to raise the tax on a pint, and industry analysis says the price paid by drinkers could rise by 3p; a bottle of wine could cost 18p more.
The exact duty increase differs between the accounts, with one giving 4.55% and another citing RPI inflation of 3.9%.
The Budget also raises the small-business rates relief threshold for hospitality businesses from £12,000 to £18,000 and provides £10 million in duty relief for about 2,000 smaller brewers and cider makers.
Small pubs and independent producers gain targeted support, while pub and beer groups say higher duty could make pints less affordable.
In England and Wales, tenants of tied pubs will also be allowed to serve a guest beer of their choice, which could give independent breweries more access to pub bars.
The duty rise is scheduled for February, while the announced relief measures are intended to support small hospitality businesses and producers.
Alcohol duty is set to rise in February, pushing up the cost of beer, wine and spirits, according to the articles.
Industry analysis cited by the Mirror estimates a 3p rise for a pint of beer, while a bottle of wine could cost 18p more.
The Evening Standard reports that the duty on a pint will rise from 50p to 52p, with the tax increase paid by producers and importers but potentially passed on to customers.
Pub and brewing groups criticised the beer duty rise, despite welcoming other Budget support for smaller pubs and breweries.
The articles report different figures for the duty increase: 4.55% according to the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, and 3.9% according to the Evening Standard.
- Who
- UK drinkers, pubs and alcohol producers will be affected.
- What
- Alcohol duty will rise in February, potentially increasing prices for beer, wine and spirits.
- When
- The rise is due next February, following the Budget announced on October 28, 2026.
- Where
- The United Kingdom.
- Why
- Alcohol duty is set to rise in line with Retail Prices Index inflation.
Chancellor John Healey and the UK Government
Pub and brewing groups
Duty rise
Chancellor John Healey and the UK Government
Alcohol duty will rise in line with inflation, according to the Budget measures.
Pub and brewing groups
The British Beer and Pub Association and CAMRA criticised the rise, saying it would increase costs for pubs and customers.
Chancellor John Healey announced the Budget, including measures affecting alcohol duty and support for smaller pubs and breweries.
The planned alcohol duty increase is due to take effect.
- Beer duty
- The Evening Standard says duty on a pint will rise from 50p to 52p.
- Wine price estimate
- The Mirror reports an estimated 18p increase for a bottle of 14.5% strength red wine.
- Prosecco price estimate
- The Mirror reports an estimated 14p increase per bottle.
- Small brewery relief
- The Budget includes £10 million in alcohol duty relief for about 2,000 smaller British brewers and cider makers.
2 sources
What people are saying
It’s a breath-taking hike.
it will “undoubtedly push up the price of a pint”.
At a time when many pub-goers, pubs and brewers are struggling to make ends meet, increasing taxes on pints in pubs is the wrong decision.