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Scotch whisky distillers call on MSPs to reject minimum pricing

Published:  10 November, 2010

Scotch whisky distillers are calling on Scottish politicians to reject minimum pricing, as the final vote on the Alcohol Bill takes place today.

 

Scotch whisky distillers are calling on Scottish politicians to reject minimum pricing, as the final vote on the Alcohol Bill takes place today.

Distillers believe minimum pricing, as proposed by the Scottish Government, would have little impact on alcohol harm but would violate EU and international trade rules.

The Scotch Whisky Association says this would lead to copycat trade barriers in export markets and undermine the industry and its Scottish supply chain.

At 45p a unit, the SWA maintains that the average cost of a bottle of Scotch whisky in Scotland would increase by 16% to £12.60, reducing the domestic market by nearly 13%. Value and own-label brands would be particularly impacted.

Scottish health secretary Nicola Sturgeon told the BBC this morning that it "would be a shame" if Scotland missed the opportunity to introduce minimum pricing. "This is a big moment for Scottish politics. I'd appeal to all MSPs to vote for something that will improve public health," she added.

Measures likely to be passed in the Alcohol Bill include a ban on quantity discounts, an age verification scheme and a social responsibility levy for licensees.

Gavin Hewitt, SWA chief executive, said: "We urge MSPs to reject a minimum pricing proposal that simply will not work, fails to meet the basic tests of EU law, and which would significantly damage Scotch Whisky at home and abroad.

"Political parties should instead look at an alternative UK-wide solution to concerns around the pricing of certain drinks. Excise duty reform so that all drinks are taxed on the same basis, according to alcohol content, and a ban on sales below tax, is a fair and socially responsible way forward. It would also secure over £1bn a year extra revenue for the public finances."

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