The chancellor has frozen taxes on beer, cider and spirits for another year – a move that will be welcomed by beer lovers and brewers alike.

The government estimates that alcohol duty cuts and freezes over the last six years have provided £4.4 billion of support to pubs and drinks industry.

This year’s freeze means that a typical pint of beer will be 14p cheaper than if taxes had risen in line with inflation. The Society of Independent Brewers also estimates that a rise in line with inflation would have resulted in a £100 million hit to Britain’s brewers.

Chancellor Philip Hammond explained: “In recognition of the important contribution of British pubs and drinks makers to our communities, I have frozen taxes on beer, cider and spirits again this year.

“These duties would have otherwise come into effect today but instead we’re supporting an industry that employs 900,000 people across the UK.”

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