The Government’s tax rises on alcohol are unfair for sensible drinkers and will not deter binge drinkers, a poll by the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has found.

According to a survey of 1,052 adults, 82% disagreed that a rise in taxes on alcohol would significantly reduce binge-drinking.

Only 12% agreed that the tax rises would not unfairly penalise sensible drinkers.

Duty on beer rose by 3% in March’s Budget, with tax on wine up 14p per bottle and spirits up 55p per bottle.

The Chancellor also put alcohol taxes on a price escalator of 2% above inflation for the next four years. 77% of those quizzed said higher alcohol taxes are threatening British pubs.

Rob Hayward, chief executive of the BBPA, said: “This polling calls time on the Government’s stealth taxes on beer. The public is deeply opposed to the chancellor pushing up the price of a pint at a time when people’s main concern is rising prices across the board.

“By a large majority, the public is saying no. People clearly think the taxman has had enough. This polling must make the chancellor think again about further tax rises on beer.”

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By Christopher Walton

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