Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have (1) to review the proposed new alcohol duty bands, and (2) to increase the top band, so that the reforms will increase the yield to the Exchequer rather than reduce it, as presently forecast.

The next steps of the Alcohol Duty Review announced in the Growth Plan will continue as planned and will take effect from 1 August 2023.

The reforms are intended to improve the current system by making it simpler, more economically rational and less administratively burdensome on businesses.

The Government welcomed further views on aspects of Small Producer’s Relief and Draught Relief in a technical consultation which closed on 18 November 2022, to ensure stakeholders continue to be able to contribute to the reforms. The Government will respond to the consultation in due course.