Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Government announces £80m U-turn on pubs and music venues

Published: 27 January, 2026

The government has revealed a support package aimed at helping pubs and music venues in England, worth £80m.

SIBA issues open letter on Budget concerns

Published: 04 December, 2025

The Society of Independent Brewers & Associates (SIBA) has sent an open letter to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, expressing its “deep concern” that the hospitality sector was facing a “crisis of survival” after the recent Budget.

UK drinks industry despondent after Budget duty hike

Published: 26 November, 2025

In an entirely predictable move, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed that alcohol duty will rise with the Retail Prices Index (RPI) in 2026, provoking near-universal concern across the drinks trade.

Call for hospitality support in the Autumn Budget

Published: 29 August, 2025

Audit, tax and business advisory firm Blick Rothenberg has called on the government to provide financial support to the UK’s hospitality and retail sector to help businesses survive higher running costs.

‘Missed opportunity’ for businesses via Spring Statement

Published: 27 March, 2025

The trade has expressed its disappointment that no relief for businesses will be forthcoming via Rachel Reeves’ Spring Statement, as the industry continues to face a roster of tax hikes from the last Autumn Budget.

Treasury loses nearly £300m in spirits tax revenue

Published: 22 August, 2024

New figures from HM Revenue and Customs reveal the Treasury has lost close to £300m in tax revenue from Scotch whisky and other spirits following Jeremy Hunt’s significant tax increase last August.