Wine and spirits to go up in price for Brits after being hit by Labour’s ‘punishing’ tax squeeze, warns drinks boss

19 comments 19 Next WINE and spirits are being hit by a tax squeeze pushing up prices and driving down sales, a major industry body warned. Labour is being urged to drop any plans to hike alcohol taxes as shops and retailers are struggling to afford the current rates. Labour is being urged to drop any plans to hike alcohol taxes as shops and retailers are struggling to afford the current rates Credit: Alamy Research suggests wine duty bills for Brits is is double that across all EU member states. Advertisement Duty on spirits and bottled beer has risen by over 18 per cent in three years while a 14.5 per cent strength red wine has soared by 49 per cent, the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WTSA) claimed. Brits now pay twice as much wine duty as is collected across all EU member states, according to figures cited by the association. Sign up for the Politics newsletter Thank you! Email address Please provide a valid email. Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy You'll now receive top stories, breaking news, and more, straight to your email. Meanwhile wine sales by volume have fallen by eight per cent while spirits are down 15%, they claimed. Chief Executive Miles Beale said: “We know John Healey wants to stick to his predecessor’s fiscal rule, but with a cost of living crisis and an aim for growth in every postcode, this Government it should be supporting not squeezing the British drinks sector. “The Chancellor cannot control global fuel prices, but he can put the brakes on relentless and punishing alcohol tax increases, which have consistently failed to raise revenue. He needs to change the record – because it’s broken!” Labour are being urged to recognise pressure on pubs and bars who are being hit by tax raids on their businesses. The industry body warned sales will continue to nosedive if the Chancellor does not put a stop to hiking alcohol taxes. Research suggests wine duty bills for Brits is is double that across all EU member states. Advertisement Most read in The Sun 'BRITAIN IS BROKEN' Robert Jenrick to announce £40bn of cuts in Reform's alternative Budget TWISTED ACT Woman, 31, charged with incest after sexually abusing child 'younger than 12' 'DO NOT APPROACH' Urgent manhunt after prisoner escapes medical facility in London HORSE AROUND Travellers horse drive descends into chaos as carts take over pub & cops swoop The WTSA said over the last three years tax on a bottle of wine has risen by £1.32 while it has increased £1.65 on a bottle of gin. 19 comments 19