DUTY stamps could be introduced to bottles and cans of beer in a bid to curb alcohol fraud.
The UK government is consulting on proposals to introduce fiscal marks, similar to those brought in for tobacco in 2001 and spirits in 2006, for packaged beers. It proposes exempting draught beers, beer with an ABV of 2.8% or below and small brewery beer.
HMRC estimates that at least one in ten bottles or cans of beer sold in the UK in 2009/2010 was duty unpaid.
The consultation runs until June 25.
