Institute of Alcohol Studies
Institute of Alcohol Studies
Alcohol Alert - October 2024
Alcohol Alert - October 2024
Alcohol Alert - October 2024
Friday 1st November 2024
Dr Aveek Bhattacharya discusses Labour's budget decisions on alcohol duty and their implications for public health.
27 minutes
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Institute of Alcohol Studies
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Get the buttons here!Alcohol Duty Decisions: A Pint-Sized Budget Analysis
Episode Overview
- Labour's budget increased most alcohol duties in line with inflation.
- Differential taxes set for draught products versus supermarket alcohol.
- Wine taxation will shift from volume-based to strength-based.
- Government's failure to tackle cheap alcohol aggressively is disappointing.
- A duty escalator might be needed to cover alcohol harm costs.
We've pulled out of that spiral after a couple of budgets, re-establishing the convention of increasing alcohol duty in line with inflation.
In this episode of the Alcohol Alert Podcast, Dr Aveek Bhattacharya dives into the nitty-gritty of Labour's first budget in 14 years, focusing on alcohol duty. The discussion revolves around the budget's impact on public health, the economy, and the potential missed opportunities for more radical changes. Dr Bhattacharya sheds light on the decision to increase most alcohol duties in line with inflation, while reducing duties on draught beer and cider.
This move aims to make a pint cheaper by a penny, but is it enough to address the broader issues at hand? Dr Bhattacharya discusses the positives, like re-establishing the convention of increasing alcohol duty in line with inflation and setting differential taxes on draught products versus supermarket alcohol. He also touches on the long-awaited shift to taxing wine based on strength rather than volume.
However, there's a sense of disappointment over the government's failure to tackle cheap alcohol more aggressively, which could have been a game-changer for public health. The conversation delves into the political intricacies behind these decisions, highlighting how they reflect Labour's approach to prevention and health harms. Dr Bhattacharya suggests that a duty escalator might be needed to cover the cost of alcohol harm and align tax rates with public health objectives.
The episode is a fascinating exploration of the intersection between politics, economics, and public health. If you're curious about how government policies shape the landscape of alcohol consumption and its societal impacts, this episode offers valuable insights. Will Labour seize future opportunities to make bolder moves? Tune in to find out.