BBPA calls for fairer beer taxes

Thousands of jobs could be created if the government were to introduce a fairer system of taxation on beer, according to the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).

The group pointed out that at present the duty placed on beer is much higher than that levied on cider and spirits.

As a result, consumption of lower-strength beverages is being discouraged in favour of higher-strength drinks.

The BBPA claimed that by equalising the tax, the government could create around 30,000 new jobs in pubs and the wider hospitality sector.

It could also generate an additional £250 million in tax revenues for the Treasury.

"A fair deal for beer would create a win-win situation for all," said BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds.

"Beer is also a low alcohol drink of choice and should be treated differently to other stronger alcoholic beverages.

"There is potential for a huge success story that could be grasped by the new government."

No new increases in duties on alcohol were announced in George Osborne's first Budget as chancellor.

However, in the previous Budget, unveiled by Labour's Alistair Darling in March, it was confirmed that duties would increase by two per cent above inflation for two further years from 2013.