UK duty freeze supports Scotch Whisky sector

Commenting on the freeze on spirits duty announced by the Chancellor, SWA Chief Executive Mark Kent said:

“The Prime Minister Liz Truss said that it was important to back the Scotch Whisky industry to boost growth, and today the government has delivered.

“The Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng has frozen duty on Scotch Whisky and other spirits, meaning the planned double-digit inflationary increase will now not go ahead. This will save consumers £1.35 on the average priced bottle of Scotch Whisky and help the industry as it deals with the dual challenge of rising energy costs and supply chain pressures.

“On behalf of the SWA’s members, I want to thank the government for listening to the concerns of the industry and taking action to Support Scotch. The duty freeze will not only support our sector, but the hospitality industry and the wider economy.

“Further action will be needed to bring down the 70% tax burden on Scotch Whisky in the UK, which remains the highest in the G7 and one of the highest in the world. We look forward to working with the new HM Treasury team to ensure Scotch Whisky can deliver investment, employment and growth in Scotland and across our supply chain.”

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