Yesterday (22/4/09) Alistair Darling announced the new 2009 Budget and one of the first points that many students will look to, along with fuel duty and cigarettes, is to how much tax on alcohol is going up by.

From today, Thursday 23rd April, alcohol rates increase by 2% above the rate of inflation and will mean the following rises:

• Beer (4.2% abv pint of beer) – 1p
• Wine (75cl bottle) – 4p
• Sparkling wine (75cl bottle) – 5p
• Spirits (37.5% abv 70cl bottle) – 13p
• Spirits-based ready to drink (275ml alcopop) – 1p
• Cider and perry (1 litre) – 1p

The good news is that alcohol prices at the Christ Church University bars at both Canterbury and Broadstairs will be remaining the same price throughout the term as opposed to those prices at many pubs and bars in the local areas.

In an exclusive to UNIfied, Rob Eyles, Food & Beverage Manager, had this to say:

“We review our prices on a regular basis and at this time we are happy that our prices are competitive in the current market. The 2% tax increase on alcohol will be absorbed until the end of this term. The next price review will take place on the 1st July.”

This can only be good news for students and another reason to support your student bar, but please remember “If you do do drink, don’t do drunk”.

For more information on the budget visit this Direct.gov link (http://tinyurl.com/cbznw3)

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