Wells MP Tessa Munt has challenged the Treasury’s continued use of the ‘Beer Duty Escalator’ after a Government e-petition attracted 103,014 signatures – meaning that MPs could now debate the matter.
The petition calls on the Treasury to halt the Beer Duty Escalator, introduced by Labour in 2008 and currently in place until 2015, which automatically increases the tax on beer by 2% above inflation every year. This has meant a rise of 40% in tax since 2008, meaning over a third of the cost of a pint of beer is now tax.
As an MP in a rural area, Tessa has always disputed the thinking behind this tax as it puts considerable pressure on pubs which are the cornerstone of many rural communities. Tessa has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Leader of the House of Commons to ensure that the debate gets a ‘prime time’ slot in Parliament, so as many MPs as possible can attend. 
Tessa said “I’m especially keen that this debate is scheduled for an ordinary working day so discussion is not stifled. I am very keen that beer duty and this ludicrous escalator receive as much attention as possible in Parliament. This issue is very important to landlords and their customers in communities across my area.
”I look forward to attending the debate when it is scheduled and seeing what can be done to halt the Beer Duty Escalator when the next Budget is announced.”
Tessa Munt
October 22nd 2012
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Notes for editors:
Stop the Beer Duty Escalator – 103,793 signatures
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/29664