23/06/2010 - No increase to taxes on alcohol
Drinkers across the country hoping to raise a glass to England's success on Wednesday will welcome news that taxes on alcohol have not increased.
During the Budget speech Chancellor George Osborne also said that duties on tobacco will not go up, following announcements in March of "substantial increases".
Another expected 10% rise on cider taxes proposed under Labour has also been scrapped, with Mr Osborne saying the move would come "just in time to celebrate England's progress to the quarter finals or else to drown our sorrows".
Campaign groups that voiced their unhappiness with the previous government, saying they were "piling misery" on struggling pubs, will welcome the decisions.
British Beer and Pub Association chief executive Brigid Simmonds said: "We applaud the Government's decision to freeze beer tax and deliver on its promise made in the coalition agreement to not penalise pubs, responsible drinkers and important local industries.
"This is a welcome relief for struggling pubs during difficult times.
"A beer tax freeze will also help the beer and pub sector's ability to play its part in contributing to much needed economic growth and generating valuable private sector jobs."
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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