Calls for more action to tackle Britain’s high rates of beer duty are popular with the general public, according to a poll from YouGov for the BBPA,  – 72 per cent support either a cut or freeze in beer duty to support pubs, with just 18 per cent supporting a tax rise to raise extra money for the Government.

The BBPA has released the poll findings, which also shows that one-in-three people surveyed (37%) believe the amount of beer tax we pay in Britain is unfair, compared with just one in five (20%) who think it is fair.

There is also some lack of knowledge regarding UK beer tax rates compared to elsewhere in Europe. UK beer duty rates are on average three times higher than EU rates, and 13 times higher than in the largest beer market, Germany. Whilst 57 per cent correctly believe UK beer tax is higher than in most countries in Europe, 18 per cent believed it was the same or less, and one-quarter stated they did not know.

Brigid Simmonds, BBPA Chief Executive, comments: “This new poll shows the public understands how important pubs are to local people, and how a penny off a pint is the simplest and best way to give pubs a boost.

“George Osborne has been in tune with the public so far, with his three beer tax cuts saving pubgoers millions. He can keep up the good work, with another penny off a pint in the Budget.”

The poll was conducted by YouGov using a sample size of 1,736 adults, with fieldwork taking place on 21st and 22nd January, 2016.