A bottle of wine got more expensive the day after Dry January ended
Brits coming out of Dry January have suffered a minor blow as the duty on a bottle of wine rose the day after the challenge ended.
The duties announcement made by chancellor Philip Hammond in the October Budget came into force on Friday, meaning a bottle of wine could now cost up to 8p more.
The duty rise tracks the Retail Prices Index inflation rate, which reflects the cost of living and is used as a marker for some welfare increases.
READ MORE: How to buy good wine on a budget
Some high-strength sparkling ciders will also increase in cost. However, drinkers of beer, cider, and scotch whisky are in luck, as duties on these drinks have been frozen.
Though the duty rise is a small one, those planning to celebrate the end of Dry January with a bottle of wine this weekend could be a bit disappointed.
Dry January is a public health campaign run by Alcohol Change UK, a charity formed by the merger of Alcohol Concern and Alcohol Research UK. It encourages Brits to give up booze for a month to “reset their relationship with alcohol”.
READ MORE: Here’s why Dry January is terrible and you should stop doing it
Since the first Dry January in 2013, the challenge has become increasingly popular. An estimated 4.2 million Brits participated this year — and social media is buzzing with stories of both success and failure.
This is deserved 31 days without any wine 🍷🎉 #DryJanuary pic.twitter.com/RV3Ph9s4bw
— Emily Coldwell (@EmilyColdwell) January 31, 2019
My first ever #DryJanuary done! Next time I drink, one glass of wine will get me hammered 🤪
— Diane (@diane_83) January 31, 2019
#DryJanuary confession time. I failed. See the disappointment on their faces? My own disappointment is far worse. I love a challenge. But I freaking need wine like I need air. Like broken dogs, I have no strength when wine is around.
PS in just 2 weeks my tolence went down! pic.twitter.com/NgBbNUiNJW
— Sarah Lauch (@SarahLauch) January 22, 2019
According to retailer Vapemate, 92% of those who attempted the challenge will be going back to drinking in February. They may be picking a different beverage.
