“It is excellent news that the Chancellor is no longer planning to freeze alcohol duty rates this year. Evidence shows that successive freezes over the past decade have led to increased alcohol-related hospitalisation and death, and have cost the Treasury billions.

“Raising duty disproportionately increases the cost of supermarket alcohol over alcohol sold in pubs and restaurants, therefore reducing the cost differential and providing essential support to the hospitality industry.

“This announcement supports an evidence-based approach to alcohol harm reduction and will ultimately save lives across the UK.” – Dr Alison Giles, Interim Chief Executive, Institute of Alcohol Studies.