Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News reports that the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has urged the UK government to abandon anticipated alcohol duty increases in the forthcoming Autumn Budget. A 2.9% rise linked to inflation is expected, adding further pressure to producers, retailers and consumers. The association highlights that duty on a 14.5% ABV red wine has risen by 49% since reforms began in 2023, while UK wine sales by volume have fallen by 8% over the same period. WSTA chief executive Miles Beale argues that repeated tax increases are damaging businesses without necessarily generating additional Treasury revenue, and calls for a freeze or reduction to support the struggling sector.