Measure
The government will freeze alcohol duty until 1 February 2025.
Producers, distributors, importers and/or consumers of beer, wine, spirits and cider.
The change will have operational effect from 1 August 2024 but results in no change to the rate of alcohol duty currently in force.
This measure extends the six-month freeze announced at Autumn Statement 2023. The government cite the provision of support to the hospitality sector and to consumers of alcohol products, especially considering the recent cost of living crisis, as the main aim of the measure.
The move will be welcomed by businesses, especially UK pubs and restaurants, still adjusting to the significant restructuring of the alcohol duty regime that commenced from 1 August 2023, as well customers.