July 2018
Pubs and alcohol duty.
I understand the important contribution that pubs make to our local communities. Many pubs in Derbyshire are small, family-run businesses, and are often the social heart of their communities. They also provide jobs, attract visitors and support the British brewing industry, which is why I am pleased that a £1,000 discount on business rate bills is being applied in both 2017-18 and 2018-19 for all pubs with a rateable value lower than £100,000. This applies to 90 per cent of pubs and is in recognition of the valuable role they play in our communities.
As announced at the 2017 Spring Budget, tax on beer, cider and spirits will only increase by RPI inflation this year, in line with previous forecasts, which means it is effectively frozen. This follows the removal of the duty escalator for beer, spirits, wine and cider in 2013 and 2014 and the unprecedented freeze in beer duty. As announced at the 2017 Autumn Budget, tax on beer, cider, wine and spirits have again be frozen.