Mark Jenkinson MP has welcomed cheaper pints in pubs across the Workington constituency as the consumer reaps the benefits of Brexit.
From today (1st August), the Conservative Government is protecting the price of pint by increasing the generosity of Draught Relief – meaning the alcohol duty paid for a drink on tap at the pub will be up to 11p less per pint than you would pay in a supermarket.
The Conservative Government is only able do this thanks to our Brexit freedoms – keeping prices down and delivering on its promise to halve inflation and grow the economy.
Mark Jenkinson MP said: “Pubs are a huge part of British culture, including in the Workington constituency, so the Conservative Government is doing all it can to help them out in the face of rising prices.
“This is another chance to raise a glass to Brexit, to back the best of British and to toast our success and freedom as a sovereign nation.
“This is something we have only been able to do because we have called time on EU restrictions.
“Pubs are at the heart of our community, but times are tough right now due to rising prices as a result of Covid and the war in Ukraine.
“It is brilliant news that the Conservative Government is increasing the generosity of Draught Relief, meaning cheaper pints in our pubs.
“The Conservative Government is keeping prices down as it delivers on its priorities to halve inflation, grow the economy, reduce debt, cut waiting lists, and stop the boats. So let’s raise a glass to Brexit, and support our pubs at the same time.”
This will benefit the 4,520 pubs across the North West now and in the future, as the Conservative Government has given a Brexit Pubs Guarantee to maintain the difference, so the duty paid at the pub for drinks on tap will always be lower than in the supermarket.
This is just one part of the biggest shake up of alcohol taxation in over a century – with the system being simplified so all drinks will now be taxed according to strength. Drinks such as sparkling wines, ciders, draught fruit ciders, liqueurs and ready to drink spirits – like a pre-mixed gin and tonic – will see their duty cut.
The Conservative Government is also backing Britain’s drinks industry, both with lower tax rates for lower alcohol products, and expanding tax reliefs for small producers so they have the freedom to grow and expand into new types of drink. Increasing the generosity of Draught Relief will help our pubs in the face of rising prices, alongside the Conservative Government’s 5p fuel duty cut, decreases to National Insurance, support with energy bills, and cuts to business rates.
