30.10.2026 01:10
UK Finance Minister John Healey caused a stir with footage of him at the pub where he went to celebrate finishing work after announcing the new budget package. Throwing his red tie over his shoulder and downing a glass of beer in one go, Healey became the focus of reactions and headlines both for his budget that raised alcohol tax and for his bar celebration.
In the UK, Finance Minister John Healey headed straight to the pub after his first budget presentation. The minister drew attention with footage showing him finishing his beer in one go. Footage of Healey drinking his beer accompanied by cheers from Treasury staff sparked a separate debate after the government’s decision to raise the tax on beer as part of the budget.
HE DRANK THE BEER IN ONE GO ACCOMPANIED BY TREASURY STAFF
According to reports in the British press, Healey attended a gathering at a pub called Two Chairmen in Westminster after the budget presentation. The minister finished a beer named “Chancellor’s Choice,” poured for him, by drinking the entire glass in one go. Moments when Healey threw his red tie over his shoulder and then turned the empty glass upside down over his head were also captured in the footage. Treasury official Dan Tomlinson shared the footage on his social media account.
TWO-PENNY INCREASE IN THE PRICE OF BEER ON THE AGENDA
The moments of Healey drinking beer drew attention after it was announced in the budget that alcohol tax would be raised in line with inflation. Under the regulation, the tax on a pint of beer is expected to rise from 50 pence to 52 pence. As the tax increase is expected to be reflected in consumer prices, pub businesses and beer sector representatives voiced their concerns about cost pressure.
THE BUDGET ALSO INCLUDES SUPPORT FOR PUBS AND SMALL PRODUCERS
The budget announced by Healey included business tax support for pubs, clubs and live music venues, as well as £10 million in annual tax relief for small beer and cider producers. It was stated that the government aims to support local businesses and small producers with these steps, while the increase in alcohol tax caused criticism in the sector.