Given the alarming rates of alcohol harm across the UK, it would be irresponsible to award wine producers preferential treatment in the forthcoming budget (Wine sellers warn of price rises as new tax regime looms, 6 October). The recent changes to alcohol duty, taxing products according to their strength, not only followed recommendations from the World Health Organization, but also common sense. Both producers and consumers will be nudged to lower-strength products, thus easing the burden on the NHS. Wine producers were given a generous grace period to adapt to the new system, but now is the time to level the playing field and bring wine into line with all other alcohol categories. With the social cost of alcohol harm exceeding £27bn in England each year, we can’t afford any more tax breaks to alcohol companies.
Dr Katherine Severi
Institute of Alcohol Studies
