“The government is considering the feedback received and will respond in the autumn,“ said a UK government
statement this week on its plans to respond to a consultation on reform to the alcohol duty reform.
Then-chancellor Rishi Sunak proposed in autumn that wine should be taxed on the amount of alcohol it contains, rather than charging flat rate per bottle. Public health professionals welcomed the change. The wine industry opposed it and welcomed the delay.
The government was hoping to respond to the duty consultation before its summer break, but the turmoil in Number 10 has prevented it. Sunak is now vying with right-wing rival Liz Truss for votes of Conservative party members to take over from Boris Johnson, who has stayed on as caretaker PM.
A white paper floating ideas ways to reduce health disparities is also
reported to be waiting in the wings. It is reported to recommend the wider availability of alcohol-free drinks in hospitality. The new leader will decide if the idea is taken forward.