Merchants say fans of fortified wine will be hit with the ‘largest single alcohol tax rise in UK history’
Britons partial to a festive glass of port or sherry should nurse it carefully this Christmas as a shake-up of alcohol taxes threatens to add at least £1 to bottle prices next year.
The chancellor announced a sweeping overhaul of alcohol duties in the budget, reducing the tax take on lower-strength drinks, such as draught beer, but increasing them on products, such as fortified wine, with an alcohol content above 11%.