Institute of Alcohol Studies

“By maintaining the real value of alcohol duty today, the Chancellor has done the right thing. We hope this will be followed by a comprehensive national alcohol strategy, including responsible, evidence-based fiscal measures to reduce alcohol harm.”

👇 https://www.ias.org.uk/news/budget-2026-alcohol-duty-to-increase-in-line-with-inflation/

At today’s Budget, the Chancellor announced that alcohol duty rates will be increased in line with RPI, to maintain their real terms value.

IAS comment:

“Making alcohol-free choices more accessible is not just a public health question. It is also about providing customers with choices they genuinely want & ensuring that pubs can afford to offer them.”

What can alcohol-free beer offer pubs & customers?

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Scotland recorded 1,152 alcohol-specific deaths in 2025, down 3%. While any reduction is welcome, deaths remain above pre-pandemic levels, this is the 13th year exceeding 1,000, and rates are still 4.8x higher in the most deprived communities.

NRS: