The Beer and Pub Association has warned against the government introducing new policies that will tax the majority of Brits who drink responsibly.
With over 80% of the population consuming alcohol within government guidelines, any proposed measures must focus on helping the minority who do drink at harmful levels, the group said in a statement on Friday (27 June).
The warning comes ahead of the government’s Health Strategy announcement, which is set to include a range of proposed interventions to improve the nation’s health. This is expected to include a range of measures to prevent excessive drinking and the impact it has on the NHS.
The Beer and Pub Association cautioned that it is vital that the government avoid policies that could undermine the sector’s survival and consequently lead to community spaces vanishing and higher taxes for the majority who drink in moderation.
“It is key that the government recognises the contribution our sector makes not only in terms of generating billions in taxes, but our huge social contribution to the health and wellbeing of communities across the country,” the Association said.
It added that pubs are vital in combating loneliness, which so many experience, and improving mental health through fostering human connection.
“Our brewers are leading the way in helping people reduce consumption by producing more no and low options than ever before, and we’ve seen sales in this type of beer soar. They also lead the way in helping people reduce consumption by responsible and regulated advertising,” the Association said.
With over 80% of the population consuming alcohol within government guidelines, any proposed measures must focus on helping the minority who do drink at harmful levels, it said.
“Government must work with industry to avoid policies that could undermine the sector’s survival and consequently lead to community spaces vanishing and higher taxes for the majority who drink in moderation,” the group said.
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