2009 Budget Disappointment To Whisky Industry

[William]

Missed opportunity to support a key UK industry as Whisky duty rises.

There was widespread disappointment across the Scotch Whisky industry yesterday following the Chancellor's decision to increase the duty on spirit drinks by 2%.

Distillers face challenging market conditions at home and abroad. Following duty rises of over 13.5% in 2008, The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) described the duty rise as "a blow to the industry that comes at the worst possible time'. The Budget will add 14p to the price of a bottle of Scotch Whisky.

Gavin Hewitt, the SWA Chief Executive, said:
"A duty increase during a recession is a real blow and follows last year's duty rises on Scotch, the largest since the 1970s. The Government should be supporting all UK businesses, including Scotch Whisky distillers, who have the potential to help drive the economy out of recession. Instead, our industry is being weakened by the alcohol duty escalator.

"At a time when the Chancellor is looking for additional revenue, we believe that an increase in excise duty will be counterproductive. As this represents a 5% increase in real terms, the Treasury is likely to see lower receipts as the duty rise aggravates already tough market conditions in the UK, the industry's third largest market, and weak consumer confidence. The duty rise also sets an unwelcome precedent for other governments around the world who are also seeking to raise revenues."?

William

Source: Drinks Media Wire

[Charlie]

It is very disappointing that the government would apply a duty increase during a recession especially following last years increase. They may regret this in the long run if sales drop because of this increase, although i dont think it would impact malt whisky sales as much as blended whisky sales.

Charlie

[McKay]

After a 13.5 per cent increase in 2008, this extra 2 per cent is a bit much. The government certainly has a odd way of supporting an industry which already generates a large amount of money for the country. They should be supporting exporters like the whisky industry not taxing them more and treating whisky like a cash cow.

[Andy M]

Well i havent moved away from the malts in preference of the cheaper blends although interesting to hear that this is the trend at the moment.

Andy M

[islayonspey]

[Lewis]

It was all a bunch of BANKERS that caused this.

Lewis

[Big Mac]

I find it quite unbelievable that the UK government has increased the duty on a product that will already be seeing sales dropping in the current climate. I think Rene summed up the chancellor very well, twat.

Mac