MPs get stuck in to low-alcohol beers

Low-alcohol beers from brewers including Molson Coors, Diageo and Carlsberg have been showcased to MPs.

A tasting organised by the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group and attended by health minister Anne Milton this week offered a range of beers that sit in the lower duty bracket introduced last year.

Since October, beers at 2.8% abv or below have been charged at 50% less tax than standard beer, while high-strength beers of 7.5% abv and above must pay an additional 25% tax.

Among the lagers on offer to MPs were Carlsberg’s Skol, Molson Coors’ C2 and AB InBev’s Rolling Rock. Diageo offered the 2.8% abv Guinness Mid Strength, while other beers included Adams’ Sole Star and Everards’ Southgate.

“It’s great to see so much innovation on display from British brewers,” said British Beer & Pub Association chief executive Brigid Simmonds. “The tax change is providing an incentive for drinkers to try some great products.”