The tax system on alcohol is to be reformed the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has announced.

Sunak said the alcohol duties would be changes so that higher strength drinks are taxed at a higher rate than lower alcohol drinks.

He said the system was “outdated, complex and full of historical anomalies”.

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Sunak said it would mean “The stronger the drink the higher the rate”.

Glasgow Times:

He added: “Stronger red wines or high strength ciders will see an increase.

“It will help end the era of cheap high strength drinks

“Many lower alcohol dinks are over-taxed. They will pay less.”

Sunak announced that sparking wines, like prosecco and champagne that have been taxed at a higher rate will be taxed at the same rate as still wines.

He said: “Over last decade consumption sparkling wine has doubled.”

And he announced changes to the price of a pint in pubs.

He said: “Pubs were struggling before the pandemic, consumption fell.

He added: “Pubs are often safer drinking environment than being at home.”

The Chancellor announced a “draught relief, a lower rate of duty on draught” beer and cider in pubs.

It means a 5% cut, which Sunak said was the biggest cut to beer duty in 50 years.

He said it was a “Cut of 3p per pint".

The reforms, however, will not come into effect until February 2023.

Sunak added: “Right now, I confirm planned increase on duty on sprits wine cider and beer will be cancelled.”