The joint appeal was issued Wednesday evening, two weeks before the budget and following a collective meeting with the Exchequer Secretary.

In their statement, the coalition warned: “Brewers, distillers, vintners, and cider makers are all facing significant challenges – investment is stalled and more jobs are being lost every day. This includes the hospitality sector, in which our industries play a vital role.

“Across the UK’s pubs, bars, restaurants, visitor experiences and retailers, costs have risen at a time when households are feeling the pinch. With one voice we want to be clear, as we were with the Exchequer Secretary today – now is not the time to raise excise duty.”

The statement continued: “By making the positive, growth driven choice to not increase duties, the Chancellor can show she understands the pressures our industries face. More than that, she can give our sector the confidence to invest, to create jobs, and to return to growth.

“Our members are committed to working with government to generate the revenues necessary to support vital public services.”

“More investment, more jobs and more sales will do this, not more taxation,” the statement concluded, urging the Chancellor to “back our sector” and “boost the economy”.

The other trade bodies supporting this statement are:

• British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA)
• National Association of Cider Makers (NACM)
• Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA)
• UK Spirits Alliance
• WineGB
• Wine and Spirits Trade Association (WSTA)