Alcohol Policies – How much is too much?

The UK’s current system of alcohol duty is excessive and illogical. Some of the highest tax rates – applied to spirits like whiskey – are more than four times higher than the lowest. Such punitive rates can encourage the growth of the illegal alcohol industry, posing a serious threat to public health. And government efforts to stimulate demand for low strength alcohol have failed as the demand is not there.

This begs the question: do we need to revisit our approach to alcohol taxation to ensure it is fair and safe for consumers? Free from restrictive EU regulations, Brexit provides the UK with an opportunity to reform our incoherent system of alcohol taxation, but what shape should this take?

Speakers

• Stephen Carpenter, Senior Public Affairs Manager, Pernod Richard


• Lord Ian Duncan, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland
  and Wales


• Byron Davies MP, Director of Drinkers Voice


• John O’Connell, Chief Executive, TaxPayers’ Alliance


• Christopher Snowdon, Head of Lifestyle Economics, Institute of Economic Affairs (Chair)

Please note this event is held in the Secure Zone. A Conference pass is necessary to attend.

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