Alcohol duty proposal to “disproportionately affect women”

Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s proposals to change alcohol duty will “disproportionately affect women”, Wine Drinkers UK has warned. 

The Chancellor’s plan to increase duties on wines over 11.5% ABV will affect beverages that women generally favour. 

Research carried out by Wine Drinkers UK has revealed that 43% of women drinkers list wine as their favourite alcoholic drink compared to 21% of men. 

Additionally, only 7% of women prefer beer whereas 44% of men listed beer as their favourite alcoholic beverage respectfully. 

READ MORE: Government alcohol duty change will lead to rising wine costs

This raises the concern that the 38p increase on wine bottles will hit women harder than men as beer, along with the cost-of-living crisis will further squeeze household budgets. 

Since 2010, it has been estimated that wine drinkers have paid £5.9 billion more in duty compared to beer drinkers. 

Additionally, women are twice as likely to choose wine than men at 58% compared to 31%, respectively. 

Although drinking preference cannot be homogenised by gender, Sunak’s plan to cut taxes on beer and cider but raise them on wine will create noticeable disparities. 

The increase will also hit wine trade as the WTSA estimated that the new alcohol tax system would increase costs by £250 million a year.

“Wine is the UK’s most popular alcoholic drink but the Chancellor’s proposed changes to the alcohol duty regime will drive up the price of wine and potentially limit consumer choice,” broadcaster and Wine Drinkers UK supporter Helena Nicklin said.

“This is a double whammy for women who are more likely to choose to wind down with a glass of wine than a pint of beer. It is especially unfair at a time when so many ordinary people are struggling to cope with the cost of living.”

Nicklin added: “Wine has had a raw deal for many years, with faster and higher tax increases than any other alcohol drink. Wine Drinkers UK are calling on the government to rectify this rather than continue to punish wine drinkers.” 

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