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Alcohol Duty: UK Wine Sector
11 November 2025
Lead MP
Gregory Stafford
Farnham and Bordon
Con
Responding Minister
Dan Tomlinson
Tags
Taxation
Word Count: 8514
Other Contributors: 11
At a Glance
Gregory Stafford raised concerns about alcohol duty: uk wine sector in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government should consider introducing a small duty relief scheme for small wine producers similar to the one in place for beer and cider makers, to help support small vineyards that contribute significantly to rural employment and innovation.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The United Kingdom imports 1.7 billion bottles of wine annually, accounting for 99% of all wine consumed in the country. The sector generates over £76 billion in economic activity and supports £22 billion in gross value added, sustaining more than 400,000 jobs. However, with taxes making up over 60% of a bottle's cost, producers are facing significant challenges.
Mid Sussex
The previous Conservative Government introduced a cap that does not work for wine producers. The MP questions whether current members of the Conservative party regret this decision and seeks clarity on duty increases.
South Devon
The policy hits small independent wine importers disproportionately, with businesses struggling to manage the complexity of the new system without large administrative departments.
Twickenham
The new wine duty system is complex, requiring 30 different rates based on alcohol by volume increments. This has created significant administrative burdens for producers like Eynsham Cellars and retailers such as Majestic Wine in Witney. Called for a return to the previous duty system to address HMRC revenue loss and administrative burdens on businesses.
Dan Tomlinson
Con
Newark
Acknowledged concerns about OBR's accuracy but maintained confidence in their assessments.
Arthur
Lab
Edinburgh South West
Talked about Scotland’s growing wine industry and its impact on high streets, emphasizing the importance of considering population health in designing a tax system.
Scott Arthur
Lab
Edinburgh South West
Discussed the health implications of alcohol duty levels while supporting public health and the growth of Scotland's wine industry. Mentioned 1,185 alcohol-specific deaths in Scotland in 2024.
West Dorset
Agreed with Gregory Stafford's points about the need for equality and fairness in the marketplace, emphasizing the importance of supporting local vineyards that rely on local shops and rural pubs as their main market.
Gregory Stafford
Lab
North Thanet
Discussed the impact of alcohol duty on wine producers and hospitality industries, mentioning Scottish wine production and the Scotch whisky industry. Called for more education on health implications and reduction in tax under a Labour Government.
James Wild
Con
North West Norfolk
Wine production in the UK is a home-grown success story, contributing £76 billion in economic activity. However, the sector faces burdens due to complex alcohol duty regulations and needs nurturing for continued growth. Suggested that the Office for Budget Responsibility's assumptions might be incorrect.
Katie Lam
Con
Weald of Kent
Wine producers face steep duty increases and mounting costs. The system is not working well for small vineyards in the Weald of Kent, which are struggling to cope with new bureaucracy. Discussed local wineries and vineyards in her constituency, highlighting the growth and challenges faced by the sector.
Ashley Fox
Con
Bridgwater
Suggested introducing a small duty relief scheme for small vineyards in the UK, highlighting the lack of such a scheme compared to other producers.
Government Response
Dan Tomlinson
The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury
Government Response
Acknowledged the growth of the UK wine sector with more than 1,000 vineyards and 200 wineries contributing to the rural economy. Emphasized government support through agricultural grants and export promotion, committing at least £200 million to the farming innovation programme by 2030. Stressed the need to assess impacts after three years, acknowledged challenges for small producers but emphasized fairness, noted impact of tax rises on raising revenue for public services.
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Assessment & feedback
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.