British Chancellor, Gordon Brown, proposed a tax raise of GBP 0.01 per pint of beer in a speech regarding the Budget on April 9. Tax on beer increased in line with inflation, however pubs may not be able to charge extra due to fierce competition for trade, particularly on the high street, according to Reuters. The Chancellor has prolonged the freeze on all spirits duties for the sixth consecutive budget in order to bring the higher booze tax rate in line with beer and wine taxes.

10 April, 2003