WSTA urges Treasury to freeze alcohol tax
The Wine and Spirit Trades Association WSTA, has warned the Treasury that "enough is enough" as it anticipates further tax increases ahead of next month's budget.
The Wine and Spirit Trades Association WSTA, has warned the Treasury that "enough is enough" as it anticipates further tax increases ahead of next month's budget.
It blames the scale of tax increases on alcohol over the last 2 years - over 20% for wine and 15% for spirits - for having contributed to widespread job losses in the drinks industry and for undermining recovery.
As the March 2008 Budget threatens to deliver another 5% tax increase on alcohol, the WSTA has asked Exchequer Secretary, Sarah McCarthy-Fry to postpone the tax escalator, given the fragile state of the industry and the wider economy.
Jeremy Beadles, chief executive officer for the WSTA, said: "While other industries have had a helping hand over the last couple of years we and the millions of consumers who enjoy our products have been hit again and again by tax increases."
"Enough is enough. We know the public finances are in difficulty but pushing up prices with higher taxes does nothing to help British consumers or businesses battling to recover from the recession."
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