Stuart MacFarlane, President of InBev UK

"I am disappointed with the Duty increase announced in today’s budget, which will hit drinkers and retailers alike and add to the increasing pressures already facing the industry in 2008."

"It is absolutely right that the Government should want to tackle the UK's alcohol issues and InBev UK is committed to playing its part in this. However it is not clear how today's announcement will help tackle the problems of irresponsible drinking that we all want to address.

"This Duty rise comes at a challenging time for the licensed trade. 2007 which was the worst period for the sector in 30 years according to the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA)."

"It continues to face serious issues in 2008 including increased competition for the leisure pound, the impact of the smoking ban, rising energy, distribution, packaging and raw materials costs and a slowing economy which is undermining consumer confidence and restricting spending."

"This Budget increase can only worsen the situation in the months ahead by pushing up the price of a pint once again."