The British Beer and Pubs Association responded to the announcement of the HMRC's new Machine Gaming Duty (MGD) by saying that pubs must be left no worse off by the new system. The BBPA says the decision on banding, the reduced rate applying only to Category ‘D’ machines leaving Category ‘C’ machines in the higher band, makes it all the more crucial that MGD rates are set at a reasonable and sensible level in the upcoming Budget.

Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the BBPA, stated: “With category C machines in the higher band, the rate of tax applied will be all the more crucial. The Government must recognise that the rate must not penalise pubs. Our calculations show that the annual cost per pub of implementing the change is around £200. The tax rate must take this into account. There must be no additional net costs as a result of the new system.”