SWA calls for a multi-year freeze on spirits duty ahead of Budget

Mark Kent, CEO of the Scotch Whisky Association said:

“The Chancellor has today announced that she will hold her Budget on 26 November. That gives her 84 days to make the decision to support Scotch Whisky, and fulfil the promise of the Prime Minister to “back Scotch producers to the hilt”.

“At her last Budget, the Chancellor chose to  increase further the duty burden on an industry already weighed down by excessive tax and regulation. Despite that decision, tax receipts have not gone up; and more UK pubs and restaurants have been forced to close. Everyone connected with the hospitality industry knows that pubs, restaurants and other venues cannot survive on beer alone – all rely on spirits for profits.

“That is why we are calling for the Chancellor to announce a multi-year freeze on spirits duty, spanning the lifetime of this parliament; and to ensure that the tax differential with other alcohol categories, which puts Scotch at a competitive disadvantage, does not widen. This would also give respite to the Scottish economy – 70% of all UK spirits are produced in Scotland.

“84 days. Back Scotch, support Scotland, and sustain growth across the UK.”

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