‌Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in November's autumn budget that alcohol duty would rise in line with Retail Prices Index (RPI) inflation. A bottle of 14.5% red wine will face a 14p duty increase. According to the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA), tax on a 14.5% red wine bottle has surged by £1.10 since the current alcohol duty system was implemented in August 2023. ‌"Increases to alcohol duty, while not paid directly by operators, is another pressure, if it is passed on to businesses through higher drinks prices. Alcohol duty plays an important role in ensuring public finances remain fair and strong and funds the public services people rely on every day."

Source: Daily Mirror January 31, 2026 06:16 UTC