Freeze on alcohol duty to be extended to help UK hospitality industry

No increases until August 2023 despite Jeremy Hunt's first full budget being scheduled for 15 March

A freeze on alcohol duty is to be extended for a further six months as the government seeks to help pubs, restaurants, brewers and distilleries weather the looming recession.

The Treasury minister James Cartlidge told MPs there would be no increases in duty on beers, wine, cider and spirits until August 2023 - when a new simplified system comes into force - even if the chancellor announces new rates in next year's budget.