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Written question asked by Llinos Medi (Plaid Cymru) on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 2 February 2026 (named day). It was answered by Dan Tomlinson (Labour) on Monday, 2 February 2026 on behalf of the Treasury.

Beer and Cider: Excise Duties

Question

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment she has made of the potential merits of increasing draught duty relief.

Answer

This Government is proud to have been able to significantly expand the generosity of Draught Relief this parliament, in recognition of the economic and cultural importance of pubs, and the wider “on trade”.

In February 2025, the Chancellor delivered a duty cut on qualifying draught products – approximately 60% of the alcoholic drinks sold in pubs. This took a penny of duty off a typical strength pint and reduced overall duty receipts by £85m. Draught beer and cider now pay 13.9% less in tax than their packaged equivalents.

The Government keeps duty rates under review, and the Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events. The Government welcomes representations from the on trade sector on the effectiveness of Draught Relief in advance of the Budget.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
109303
Session
2024-26
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Beer Cider Excise duties
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk