As the Isle of Wight’s Cowes Week regatta concluded, local MP Joe Robertson called on the UK Treasury to reconsider current excise duties on gin, arguing that British consumers face disproportionately high taxes compared to their European counterparts. Speaking amid the popular sailing event, Robertson highlighted the contrast between the cost of a gin and tonic in the UK and in countries such as France and Spain.

Research by the UK Spirits Alliance indicates that UK consumers pay approximately 66 pence in excise duty on a standard 50ml double measure of gin, whisky, vodka, or rum. This figure is roughly double the rate in France, where the duty stands at 33 pence, and quadruple the 16 pence charged in Spain. Robertson described recent increases in spirits duty as detrimental not only to consumers but also to distillers and the hospitality sector, with Treasury revenues reportedly falling nearly £100 million compared to the previous year.

“These successive hikes have hammered consumers and distillers alike,” Robertson said, urging policymakers to support British distillers and the broader hospitality and tourism industries reliant on them.

The warning comes amid concerns for the future of UK pubs. The UK Spirits Alliance cautioned that around 30% of pubs could close within the next year, potentially endangering 11,000 venues. Carolyn Harris, chair of the all-party parliamentary group on UK spirits, emphasized that the high excise regime is causing significant challenges. She said it “isn’t just punishing spirits producers; it’s devastating pubs and the wider hospitality sector and costing consumers more.”

In response, a government spokesperson highlighted recent measures aimed at supporting hospitality businesses. According to the spokesperson, the Chancellor has prioritized assistance since taking office by implementing a 20% reduction in business rates for pubs, social clubs, and live music venues. These actions complement other relief efforts, including a tax break on served pints and a corporation tax cap.

The debate over spirits taxation reflects broader economic pressures facing the UK hospitality sector, with industry groups calling for a reevaluation of excise duties to sustain businesses and preserve consumer choice.