Responding to the Chancellor’s decision to increase most alcohol duty at the Autumn Budget today, Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, Chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance UK, said:
“The decision to increase most alcohol duty as part of the Autumn Budget today is an important moment for public health—one that recognises the critical role of policy in reducing the harmful impacts of alcohol on individuals, families, and communities across the UK. The bulk of alcohol-related harm comes from cheap supermarket drink, this decision will help to reduce harmful off-trade consumption, reduce pressure on the NHS and boost the economy, while supporting the hospitality sector.
Raising alcohol duty is a proven step toward reducing the significant harm alcohol causes in our society. After years of government inaction and repeated freezes or cuts to alcohol duty, this increase is not only a necessary measure in light of rising alcohol-related deaths, but also signals a shift toward prioritising health over industry interests, protecting the most vulnerable, and mitigating preventable harm. We ask that the revenue raised from the duty increase be used to contribute towards frontline NHS and alcohol treatment services which are currently not equipped to treat the soaring numbers of people in need.
I commend the Chancellor for her leadership in putting public health at the heart of policymaking, and I am optimistic that this is the beginning of real change for alcohol harm reduction in the UK.”
