ALCOHOL COMMISSION 'RIGHT TO REJECT MINIMUM PRICING' says SWA

Today’s rejection of minimum pricing by Scottish Labour’s Alcohol Commission has been
welcomed by the Scotch Whisky A ssociation. The Association said it supported moves towards
a UK-wide ban on sales below tax , combined with excise duty reform so that all alcohol was
taxed at the same rate, according to alcohol content.
Scotch Whisky drinkers currently pay 250% more duty per uni t of alcohol than cider drinkers.
The duty on whisky is 37% greater than beer and 30% higher than wine.
By progressively moving to an equitable system where all drinks are taxed at the same rate ,
the Government could generate more than £1 billion a year extra revenue according to
independent analysis commissioned by the Association.
Gavin Hewitt, SWA Chief Executive, said: “ Excise duty reform is long overdue. It could bring
significant extra revenue for Government . C ombined with a ban on sales below tax to set a
legal ‘floor price’ for alcohol, duty reform could also address concerns at low priced drinks on
a UK-wide basis.”
The Association welcomed the Scottish Labour p arty’s scepticism of a proposal to restrict
alcohol sponsorship and advertising, saying such a move would damage local community groups,
tourism, and important support for many cultural and sporting events.
A suggestion that alcoholic drinks should not be served at Scottish Government or
Parliamentary functions was dismissed by the A ssociation, which said that Scotch Whisky should
be showcased as a premium Scottish product at such events.