The UK government risks losing middle class voters if it raises taxes on alcohol, says market research firm Wine Intelligence.

The results of a study prepared for the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) indicate that 74% of UK regular wine drinkers believe the current taxes on alcohol are already too high.

‘The public don’t want tax rises on alcohol full stop,’ said Jeremy Beadles, chief executive of the WSTA.

‘What people do want is a targeted campaign to deal with problem drinkers through better enforcement of existing laws,k and more education.’

The study also revealed that 31% of participants would travel abroad more frequently to purchase their drink if taxes were increased by another £0.25 per bottle of still wine or £0.50 per bottle of spirits.

Likewise, nearly all respondents said that extended opening hours had not encouraged them to go to pubs and bars more often, or to consume more alcohol.

The Wine Intelligence survey was conducted online between 16 and 21 November. A full report is available at www.wsta.co.uk/images/stories/decconintelltaxation.pdf

Written by Maggie Rosen

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Maggie Rosen
Maggie Rosen
Decanter Magazine, Wine Writer & Editor

Maggie Rosen is a wine journalist, editor and author, hailing from New York but based in London. Aside from Decanter, she has contributed to the Financial Times, The Drinks Business, Harpers Wine and Spirit Weekly, The Wall Street Journal, The World of Fine Wine and Meininger's Wine Business International. She is also a member of the Circle of Wine Writers.