Half of Brits are put off going to the pub by high alcohol prices, worrying new poll shows

OVER 50 per cent of Brits say high booze prices deter them from going to the pub, a poll shows. Hospitality bosses are saddened so many punters are thinking twice about a trip to the boozer this bank holiday. More than half of Brits say high booze prices deter them from going to the pub Credit: Getty Labour are under pressure to cut booze duty Credit: Getty The poll was commissioned by the UK Spirits Alliance as pubs are hammered by rising taxes. Chancellor John Healey is under pressure to cut booze duty. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! Labour MP Carolyn Harris said: “A trip to the pub has become too expensive. “We need a reduction in excise duty for the good of pubs, consumers and the Treasury. “People often prefer a cocktail or a G&T to a pint, and these are seen as prohibitively costly.” Duty on spirits in Britain is among the highest in Europe. Braden Saunders, owner of the Doghouse Distillery and Bar in south London, said: “We’ve seen tax rise after tax rise. We have to absorb the cost or pass it on to the customers. “Bank holiday should be a chance for people to get out for a drink. Most read in Money “It’s a tragedy people are reluctant to go to the pub because they fear the cost.” Critics say the excise duty rises have meant the Treasury losing money due to lower sales. Comment now