SWA takes tax plea to Westminster

The Scotch Whisky Association took its plight for a spirits tax reduction to Westminster this week, arguing that as a £5 billion industry the government should support the sector and cut duty.

The Scotch whisky industry is calling for government support with a 2% tax reduction in the UK

The fresh calls for a tax reduction came at an event hosted by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) and the All Parliamentary Group on Scotch Whisky, attended by Scotch whisky industry members and politicians to mark the launch of The Economic Impact of Scotch Whisky Production in the UK report.

“Scotch whisky is a high-quality, much-loved drink with a global reputation,” said David Frost, CEO of the SWA. “The new report shows just how significant the industry is to the wider UK economy.

“Given the scale and impact of the industry, we believe the government should show its support and recognise Scotch as a cultural asset that boosts growth and jobs and supports communities by cutting excise duty by 2% in the Budget.

“It is unfair on the industry and consumers that almost 80% of the average price of a bottle of Scotch whisky is taxation.”

The Secretary of State for Scotland Alistair Carmichael welcomed the industry’s economic contribution at the event.

The report, commissioned by the SWA, revealed Scotch whisky producers spend £1.8bn on suppliers – 90% of which is in the UK.

Furthermore, the industry employs around 10,900 people and supports 30,000 more jobs throughout the UK through the supply chain making it “a key industry in the UK”.

The SWA, the Wine and Spirit Trade Association and The Taxpayers’ Alliance launched the Drop the Duty campaign to cut alcohol duty by 2%.