Wednesday March 12, 03:08 PM
UK BUDGET BRC criticises alcohol tax increases, compulsory carrier bag charges
LONDON (Thomson Financial) - The British Retail Consortium has criticised Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling's decision to increase alcohol taxes and his threat to impose compulsory carrier bag charges.
The BRC accused
Darling of 'using claims of tackling social and environment ills as an excuse to take yet more tax from hard-pressed businesses and consumers'.
It (Frankfurt: A0MLX5 - news) also described his emphasis on carrier bags as a cause of climate charge as 'outrageous'.
'Retailers have already committed to reduce the environmental impact of plastic bags by a quarter by the end of this year. Huge progress has been made without any need for legislation,' said BRC Director General Stephen Robertson.
The BRC said Darling had failed to offer significant incentives that could make a real difference to the environment and to the economy and was instead 'trying to disguise the need to plug holes in his finances'.
Robertson said the BRC shares the government's concerns on responsible drinking, but is not convinced that raising the price of alcohol through taxation is the correct solution.
'The problem with taxation on alcohol is that it's a blunt instrument that raises the price to millions of consumers who drink responsibly,' he said.
Robertson also criticised Darling for ignoring calls to reward the use of greener vehicle fleets.
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