Conservatives Would Increase Tax on Strong Beer and Cider

Thu, 08 Oct 2009

The shadow home secretary has announced that a Conservative government would increase taxes on super strength beer and cider considerably. Chris Grayling warned of tax rises of up to £1.50 per bottle on some high strength drinks, while supermarkets and other retailers would be banned from selling alcohol below cost price. Councils would also be given new powers to close down pubs or off-licenses which broke the rules.

Should the public vote in a Conservative government, the price of a large bottle of alcopop would rise by £1.50, while a four pack of strong cider – classed at 7.5 per cent and above – would increase from £3.64 to £4.99. A four pack of Carlsberg Special Brew would cost £7.33, up significantly from the current £6 price tag.

The tax increases would form part of Conservative government plans to eradicate the binge drinking culture, with Mr Grayling lamenting the ease with which young teenagers can obtain alcohol. Mr Grayling claims the tax changes will not affected responsible drinkers, as the price of a normal pint in a pub would not go up. Mr Grayling also revealed there would be exemptions for a select number of local traditional products.
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