Three quarters of consumers back beer duty freeze or fall

Three quarters of the British public support a freeze or a reduction in beer duty, according to research published by the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) just a day before Chancellor George Osborne's emergency Budget.

The findings came as it was feared that Osborne would raise beer duty by 2% above inflation and VAT to 20%, putting around 10p extra on the price of a pint of beer in pubs.

Meanwhile, the ComRes poll also shows that 65% of the public think that the Chancellor should support pubs by not increasing tax and 60% say tax policy should support beer as a lower-strength drink.

The findings, from ComRes, come the day before the Chancellor, George Osborne, is set to announce his first budget. There are fears that pubs face a "double whammy" in tax with VAT and duty increases.

The BBPA, the Campaign for Real Ale and the Society of Independent Brewers have all united to call on the Chancellor to support Britain's beer and pub sector in the budget.

Brigid Simmonds, BBPA chief executive said: "There is growing public anger at the prospect of a double whammy tax hike on beer. With dozens of pubs closing every week across the country, such a move from the Chancellor can only mean more communities being hit.

"The Great British pub is the lifeblood of local communities and need support not another tax. Beer tax has increased by 26% in the last two years alone and a VAT increase to 20% would in itself put the price of a pint of beer in pubs up by six pence - and cost 7,000 jobs. A rise in duty on top would put up the price of a pint by more than 10 pence and would have an even more devastating impact on pubs and jobs.

"It is time for the Government to back the pub to help the economic recovery and support community life."

Beer tax increases could be enough to buy Rooney >>

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By Neil Gerrard

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