United Kingdom: Excise duties on alcohol may be radically overhauled

The Sunday Times has predicted that the UK’s Chancellor will announce a landmark overhaul in the way that alcohol beverages are taxed, noting that Treasury officials regard the system as “outdated, complicated, and full of anomalies.” The Chancellor reportedly may reduce the duty on sparkling wine to the same level as the one for still wine, provide tax advantages to English sparkling wine producers, increase duties on expensive red wines, and introduce special “keg taxes” on barrels delivered to pubs and clubs. Concern has been expressed about the timing of these changes, which could distort consumer purchasing during or after the holiday season.