SWA Call For Government Backing in Budget

[William]

The SWA is calling for a freeze on spirits duty in next week's Budget (23rd March 2011) as a first step to introducing a fairer and more responsible system of alcohol taxation.

The industry's submission to the Treasury highlights that Scotch Whisky:

Faces discrimination in the excise duty system so that consumers pay up to 250% more tax for choosing Scotch Whisky than other drinks.

An anticipated 6.6% duty rise will adversely affect distillers who have already been hit by duty increases of over 20% since 2008, while delivering little added Government revenue.

Remains one of the UK's top exports, accounting for almost 25% of all UK food & drink exports and earning £99 every second for the balance of trade

Has faced a 100% increase in cereal prices and 30% increase in energy prices, impacting local producers, including many small businesses.

Read more here:
www.scotchmaltwhisky.co.uk/whiskyexcisereform.htm