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UK Beer Duty Hike Set to Raise Pints by 5-15%

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  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, November 13th 2025 at 5:34 GMT by Birmingham Mail

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Beer drinkers face unexpected change – the new duty takes a hit on the pint

In a surprise for many a beer lover, the UK government has announced a substantial increase in the duty that is applied to beer, cider and mead. The change, which came into force on 1 October 2023, will see a 14 % rise in the excise duty for most brews, a move that the Birmingham Mail reports has sent a ripple of concern through pubs, supermarkets and the wider hospitality sector.

What the change means for the pint

The new duty structure will raise the excise levy on most cask beers and bottled cask ales by 14 %. This is in addition to the existing 6.75 pence per pint duty that has been in place for several years. The government’s justification is twofold: it wants to increase revenue for the NHS and public health initiatives, and it also seeks to curb excessive alcohol consumption.

Under the new rules, the price of a pint in a public house is expected to rise by between 5 % and 15 % depending on the type and strength of the beer. For example, a 568 ml bottle of standard beer will see a price bump of roughly 10 pence per bottle, while stronger cask ales could see an increase of 15 pence or more. In practical terms, this translates to a rise of around £1–£2 for a typical pint in the Midlands, a change that is already being felt on the shop floor.

The change will also apply to bottled beer sold in supermarkets and convenience stores. In fact, the Birmingham Mail quotes a consumer from the Jewellery Quarter who says, “I was buying a half litre of beer on a budget of £1.70 – it’s now £1.88. That’s a big difference when you’re on a student budget.”

Industry reaction

The hospitality sector has been quick to weigh in on the impact of the new duty. A spokesperson for the National Association of Pubs (NAP) said that the increase would squeeze margins for small independent establishments the hardest, while large chains might absorb the cost through marketing or price adjustments. “It’s a real challenge for the independent pubs that rely on high volumes of sales to keep the business afloat,” says NAP’s chief executive. “Many of them are already operating on a razor‑thin margin and this will make it even more difficult.”

One local pub owner in Birmingham, who asked to remain anonymous, explained how the new duty has forced him to rethink his pricing strategy. “I’m now offering more mixed drinks and a larger range of non‑alcoholic options to offset the cost. Customers are also more price‑sensitive – they’re asking for cheaper options, or even a “cheap beer” which we are reluctant to promote.”

Consumer sentiment

Consumer reactions are mixed, but generally skewed towards concern and frustration. A handful of customers interviewed on the street complained that the new duty would force them to give up craft beer or switch to cheaper mass‑produced brands. One university student from the University of Birmingham said, “I love craft beer, but I can’t afford to keep buying it at the price it’s going up. I’ll have to stick to the cheaper brands for the time being.”

On the other hand, a number of beer aficionados noted that the rise might actually reduce excessive consumption. “It’s not just about price – it’s about responsible drinking,” argues a beer blogger who was quoted. “A 10 pence increase might seem trivial, but for a large bottle of premium beer it adds up.”

Wider implications

While the Birmingham Mail focuses mainly on the impact on Birmingham’s local scene, the increase in beer duty has broader national implications. A new study published by the Institute for Public Health Economics, linked within the article, suggests that the extra revenue from the duty could help fund community health programmes aimed at reducing alcohol‑related harm. The government also cites the rise in alcohol‑related hospital admissions as a justification for the tax hike.

There is also speculation that the increase may trigger a shift in consumption patterns. If the cost of beer rises, consumers may turn to other alcoholic beverages such as wine or spirits, or opt for non‑alcoholic alternatives. The Birmingham Mail reports that some supermarkets have already started to offer discounted “low‑proof” beer options to counter the higher prices.

How the change is administered

The Birmingham Mail explains that the duty increase will be administered by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). The new rates are effective from 1 October and will be applied automatically to all beer, cider and mead sold in the UK. The government has released a detailed table outlining the new rates for each category of drink. For those who want to stay fully informed, the link to HMRC’s “Beer Duty Update” page provides a comprehensive breakdown of the new duty schedule.

Bottom line

The news of a sudden increase in beer duty is a clear reminder that a drink that’s been part of Britain’s cultural fabric is no longer as price‑stable as many thought. The Birmingham Mail’s in‑depth coverage highlights how the 14 % increase will affect the cost of pints in pubs, the shelf‑prices in supermarkets and, ultimately, the drinking habits of the nation’s beer drinkers. As the change takes hold, it remains to be seen whether consumers will simply pay the higher price, switch to other beverages or reduce their overall alcohol intake. For now, the pint appears to be facing an unexpected change – and it’s one that will be felt across Birmingham and beyond.