Under tax changes meant to make alcohol duties ‘fairer,’ Britain’s top-selling bottles of wine could see an abrupt price increase.
Rishi Sunak, Chancellor, flagged duty based upon alcohol strength as the centrepiece of his fall Budget.
He and Boris Johnson hailed the changes which will – if any rising costs don’t wipe them out – deliver small price cuts on beer and cider bought on tap.
Under tax changes to make the alcohol duty “fairer”, Britain’s most beloved bottles of wine could see their prices rise sharply
Rishi Sunak, Chancellor, flagged up alcohol-based duty as the centerpiece of his Autumn Budget
The super-tax on sparkling wine, champagne and prosecco will be eliminated.
But experts say the changes come with a sting in the tail for those who enjoy wine with a high alcohol – or ABV – level above 11.5 per cent.
Wine Drinkers UK, a group that researches wine prices in the UK found that 95% of top-selling wines are likely to see price increases.
For example, under a best case scenario, reds such as Hardy’s Shiraz (14 per cent ABV) would go up 58p to £7.58 and Barefoot Merlot (13.5 per cent ABV) would rise 47p to £7.22.
Wine Drinkers UK (WDUK), a research group, found that 95 percent of most well-known wines are likely to see price increases (File Image).
Popular whites, such as Hardy’s Crest Chardonnay (13 per cent ABV) would rise 35p to £7.35 and Casillero del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc (13 per cent ABV) would go up 35p to £8.35 (File image)
Popular whites, such as Hardy’s Crest Chardonnay (13 per cent ABV) would rise 35p to £7.35 and Casillero del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc (13 per cent ABV) would go up 35p to £8.35.
WDUK (a consortium of suppliers and industry professionals from the trade and hospitality industries) is fighting to stop these changes.
John O’Connell was the Chief Executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance.