AN increase in beer duty in the Budget has triggered a warning from the chairman of the Alton Licensed Victuallers' Association that it could increase binge drinking in the town.

According to the Campaign for Real Ale, after the 7.2 per cent increase, the duty and VAT on a pint has exceeded £1 for the first time and they fear it will push the average price of a pub pint up by 10p.

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.