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Two-thirds of Scots feel whisky tax is unfair
A new poll has found that 58% of Scots believe an increase in Scotch whisky duty shows the UK government doesn’t care about Scotland’s future.
The SWA has called for a freeze on spirits duty in the autumn Budget 2018
The Survation poll, commission by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), also found that more than two-thirds (68%) of the population consider the current level of taxation unfair.
The SWA added that £3 in every £4 spent on the average priced bottle of Scotch whisky sold in the UK goes to the Treasury.
Furthermore, a study by the Centre for Economic and Business Research suggests that a continued duty freeze on spirits could increase revenue by an extra £64 million (US$84.2m) in 2019/20, and by almost £200m (US$263m) by 2021.
The SWA is “urging” the UK government to deliver a freeze in this year’s autumn Budget.
Karen Betts, chief executive of the SWA, said: “Freezing duty on Scotch whisky will underscore the UK government’s commitment to supporting Scotland’s vibrant, world-leading whisky industry. Importantly, it will also boost government revenue, providing additional funds to help invest in vital public services.
“We are calling on the chancellor to support Scotch and signal to the world that we are proud of Scotland’s national drink and eager to support its continued success.”