Beard Liberation Front
18th July
Beard Taxes have never worked
The Beard Liberation Front the informal network of beard wearers has said that the idea of a beard tax, which has gained attention again thanks to a letter in the Guardian on 18th July 2025 would cost far more to enforce and collect than they would ever raise.
While history records several beard taxes including Peter the Great these were aimed at the rich and powerful in society. The lower orders had insufficient money historically to pay any direct taxes.
A modern beard tax would require a Beard Inspectorate to enforce tax payment and just to check on beards in Dalston and Shoreditch in East London alone would be likely to outweigh proceeds from the tax.
BLF Organiser Keith Flett said, we have long believed that a shaving tax on all items relating to shaving would raise more money and it would also be climate friendly.
Don’t tell Rachel Reeves, but Peter the Great taxed beards (Letters, 15 July) and the amount depended on the length.
Chris Walters
Buxton, Derbyshire
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