UK: Brexit opens way for alcohol tax overhaul - report

Brexit opens the way for a major overhaul of the tax on alcohol which could help British pubs and tackle problem drinking, Sky News reported on September 6.

Alcohol duty was an area where a break with Brussels could bring about "positive changes", said a report by the Social Market Foundation (SMF).

The study came as the popular British pub brand Wetherspoon's cut the cost of a pint of beer in its pubs by an average of 20p, with the firm claiming it was an example of how prices can come down if Britain leaves the customs union with the EU.

The chain's Brexit-backing boss Tim Martin said leaving the bloc on 31 October would allow the Government to end "protectionist tariffs".

In its report, the SMF pointed out EU-wide rules had a direct impact on the current system of alcohol taxation, including the way in which excise duty is calculated, and so acted as an obstacle to reform.

With an eye on Brexit, one of the changes proposed by the report includes a move to charge more tax on supermarket alcohol than alcohol sold in pubs

The introduction of a "pub relief" would help support the struggling licensed trade while making drinking at home or on the street more expensive, said the SMF.