Increase in excise duty ‘threatens survival’ of off-licences

Some six out of 10 off-licences may be forced to close if excise duties are increased in the next budget, a representative body has claimed.

The National Off-Licence Association (NOffLA) also criticised the Government for failing to meet its commitment to legislate on alcohol consumption.

The long-awaited Public Health (Alcohol) Bill — based on the findings of a 2012 expert group — has still not been published.

It contains key measures, including the introduction of minimum pricing for the sale of alcohol.

Speaking at their AGM, NOffLA chairwoman Evelyn Jones said the trade wanted measures to promote the responsible consumption of alcohol, which would protect 5,800 jobs in the industry.

“The Government have shown no real urgency in legislating for alcohol consumption and retail,” she said. “Earlier this month we learned that the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill will not be published until next year.

“We are still in the dark as to how the minister for health proposes to introduce minimum unit pricing when it is still currently with the European Court of Justice, and we have been awaiting a statutory code of practice on the retail of alcohol ‘in the coming week’ since March.”

Ms Jones said that, meanwhile, her sector continued to lose out to many large multiples and mixed-traders who, she said, “sell alcohol at dangerous and irresponsible prices and promotions”.

She said NOffLA welcomed the Government measures — announced in October 2013 — which she said would benefit both the consumer and responsible retailers.

“Our sector is on the brink of failure due to a combination of irresponsible practices by supermarkets and consecutive unfair and disproportionate excise duty increases.”

She said that by the time the measures come into effect many off-licences will no longer be in business

“Our research shows us that 58% of independent off-licences may be forced to close if a further hike to the excise on alcohol is announced.

“Conversely, 56% of our members surveyed have stated that if excise were reversed to pre-2012 levels they could take on extra staff which would result in the creation of a minimum of 960 jobs.”