Knowledge Centre
7th March 2008
Tories eye 'binge-drink tax'
Alcopops and super-strength beers and ciders would be heavily taxed under plans unveiled by the Conservative Party.
The proposals, announced today by shadow chancellor George Osborne, would see the alcoholic drinks most associated with binge-drinking become more expensive.
Alcopops retailing for £1.25 would rise to £1.79, while a £2 can of super-strength beer would leap to £2.38.
The extra revenue would be used to fund tax cuts for low-strength beers and cider. Mr Osborne said that the duty on wines, spirits and 90% of beers and ciders would not be affected, and that "the vast majority of law-abiding, responsible drinkers" would not be hit.
The proposals are timed to pressurise the chancellor Alistair Darling in the run-up to his first budget statement, next Wednesday.
Responding to the idea, a spokesperson for the Treasury said that European law does not currently allow for a separate tax on alcopops.
The proposals, announced today by shadow chancellor George Osborne, would see the alcoholic drinks most associated with binge-drinking become more expensive.
Alcopops retailing for £1.25 would rise to £1.79, while a £2 can of super-strength beer would leap to £2.38.
The extra revenue would be used to fund tax cuts for low-strength beers and cider. Mr Osborne said that the duty on wines, spirits and 90% of beers and ciders would not be affected, and that "the vast majority of law-abiding, responsible drinkers" would not be hit.
The proposals are timed to pressurise the chancellor Alistair Darling in the run-up to his first budget statement, next Wednesday.
Responding to the idea, a spokesperson for the Treasury said that European law does not currently allow for a separate tax on alcopops.
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