Budget 2021: Struggling pubs and drinkers boosted as beer and whisky duty frozen

The price of a pint will not be rising this year, in welcome news for pubs and punters nationwide.

For just the third time in the past two decades, booze duties have been frozen.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has used his Budget to freeze the alcohol duties for a second year running, confirming days of rumours.

He told MPs the freeze would save consumers £17billion over the coming years.

He had put increases on beers, wines, and spririts like whisky on ice in last year's plan too, as the coronavirus crisis began to wreak havoc on the economy.

The pandemic has brought a series of crippling lockdowns and heavy restrictions on Britain's boozers, as well as its nightclubs and restaurants.

Have you got big plans for the week pubs reopen? Share your views in the comments below...

Boris Johnson pulls a pint with Wetherspoon chief Tin Martin (Getty Images)

While the announcement of further cash grants for hospitality businesses and suppressed prices through frozen beer duty will be welcome news for pubs, the support may still not be enough to save some boozers after months being closed or offering a limited service.

Pubs will still not be able to fully open until May 17 - with social distancing rules still in place.

Pubs and restaurants in England can reopen from April 12, but only outdoors which will significantly hamper takings.

Takeaway pints will also be allowed again from that date.

The change coincides with gradually relaxing rules on outdoor gatherings allowing pals and families to meet in parks again.

Click HERE for the full list of key pub reopening dates you need to know

Rishi Sunak outside Downing Street this morning (PA)

Ahead of the Budget, Boris Johnson confirmed the controversial 'scotch egg' rule would be scrapped as pubs reopen.

The rule that came in at the end of last year forced pubs to insist customers purchased a 'substantial meal' along with their drinks.

The Prime Minister confirmed the government was abandoning the unpopular policy as he outlined his roadmap out of lockdown.

Restrictions will remain in place during the phased reopening of pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes (AFP via Getty Images)

The hospitality industry is set to reopen to customers in phases.

It is hoped pubgoers will be able to meet indoors in small groups by May, and gather in larger groups in beer gardens.

The PM hopes to reopen all hospitality by the end of June.

The review of social distancing measures will rest on key tests being met, including the success of the national vaccine rollout.

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