The trade is bracing itself for Chancellor George Osborne's emergency Budget, expected within the first 50 days of the new Conservative-Liberal Democrat government.
The trade is bracing itself for Chancellor George Osborne's emergency Budget, expected within the first 50 days of the new Conservative-Liberal Democrat government.
Osborne has pledged to make £6 billion of savings and there are fears that the drinks industry will be regarded as a soft target by the incoming coalition as it looks to reduce the deficit.
The Wine & Spirit Trade Association is hoping to meet with ministers from the new administration as soon as possible, but is not yet sure whether it will make a fully-fledged Budget submission.
Both the Conservative and Liberal Democrat manifestos backed a ban on selling alcohol below cost. The Lib Dems are also in favour of minimum pricing.
Full story in this week's Harpers Wine & Spirit.