Pub operators welcomed the chancellor’s decision to freeze alcohol duty on draught beer and cider but warned that a tax rise on other alcoholic drinks could hurt demand as the sector grapples with an economic slowdown (The Financial Times £). The price of a bottle of wine will rise by about 45p, with increases for spirits as well, as draught beer was the only drink spared in the budget. Jeremy Hunt promised a “Brexit pubs guarantee” by freezing the duty charged on draught pints (The Times £). Luxury retailers rued a ‘missed opportunity’ to entice tourists to the UK. High-end names including Harrods and Burberry wanted the reinstatement of VAT-free shopping for international tourists, which e... [Read more]