The UK’s industry groups call for freezing alcohol duty

A group of prominent aclobev advocacy institutions in the UK has demanded to freeze alcohol duties in the UK government’s upcoming Autumn Statement. In this regard, a group of trade bodies including The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA), the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), the UK Spirits Alliance (UKSA) and 400 spirits firms have written an open letter to the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt.

In the open letter, the groups said a rise in alcohol tax would “irrevocably harm British businesses, including those in the hospitality sector”. Three quarters of the cost of a bottle of whisky or gin is currently claimed in tax, they said, with spirits generating a third of all alcohol sales in restaurants, pubs and bars in the UK, according to the release.

In its letter, trade bodies urged to rule out any increase in alcohol duty on 22nd November and to support spirits businesses in the UK.