Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill, whether he plans to (a) revoke, (b) replace or (c) retain the Beer Regulations 1993.

Tax matters, including the Beer Regulations 1993, are matters for HM Treasury and are kept under constant review, with any announcements made at fiscal events.

Now that the UK has left the EU and is free to set its own excise rules, the Government is undertaking the biggest reform of alcohol duties for over 140 years. The new simplified alcohol duty system, based on the principle of taxing alcohol by strength, will be implemented from 1 August 2023. We are introducing Draught Relief, reducing the duty on draught beer and cider by 5%, a measure not possible when we were members of the EU. This will directly support community pubs as over 75% of their sales come from beer and cider.