Pubs of Ulster Reaction to Budget Statement

19 March 2014

Following today’s Budget announcement that beer duty will be cut by 1p, Colin Neill, chief executive of Pubs of Ulster, said:

“Pubs of Ulster welcomes today’s Budget announcement and the Chancellor’s decision to cut beer duty by taking a penny off the pint. 

“Pubs of Ulster has worked hard to demonstrate that draft beer is unique to the licensed trade and is something which keeps people coming to the pub and away from more harmful drinking that goes on at home. Draft beer has a lower alcohol content and the pub provides a regulated environment in which it can be consumed safely.

“We also welcome the freeze on the duty on scotch whisky, spirits and ordinary cider. The Government today has demonstrated a willingness to support businesses and help pubs remain afloat by keeping duty down and we welcome that.”