James May calls alcohol duty system baffling and burdens pubs
James May, who co-owns the Royal Oak in Swallowcliffe and James Gin, backed the Adam Smith Institute's briefing that criticises the current alcohol duty regime. The think-tank says alcohol duty is counterproductive and could threaten pubs and bars, arguing its main aim of deterring harm is undermined while most drinkers are moderate. The report contends the burden falls on local pubs and consumers rather than reducing alcohol-related costs, and it questions whether the current system changes the behaviour of heavier drinkers. The ASI proposes a simplified regime: a flat duty of 20p per unit, with rates for wine and mixed drinks cut by up to half. It also says taxes on a double gin and tonic would drop from 68p to 28p, and wine taxes would be halved. May described the duty system as baffling and untidy and backed a straightforward reform that would treat all drinkers fairly and give pubs a boost without treating pubs as special cases. He noted the circularity of selling his gin in his own pub as part of the broader discussion. Source: The Morning Advertiser
Comments