Government backs down on VI-1 forms

The government has agreed to temporarily suspend the introduction of forms which were feared to create an extra layer of red tape for the wine industry in what is shaping up to be an increasingly disorderly Brexit.

CBD rum ad ruling points to new marketing restrictions

The ASA has banned adverts for a cannabis-oil infused rum, in a ruling that could have implications for the marketing of the fast-growing CBD-drinks sector.

MPs demand government action on US Scotch tariffs

Scottish MPs have demanded that Boris Johnson speaks directly to US president Donald Trump to avert the imposition of 25% import tariffs on Scotch.

WSTA urges government to act on concerns of industry

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) used its 2019 Industry Summit as a platform to urge the government to act on the concerns of the industry, also highlighting the “lack of political leadership replaced by heavy handed political manoeuvring”.

Wine trade faces £70m ‘paperwork’ bill in no-deal Brexit scenario

A hard Brexit is poised to land the wine trade with a £70m bill following the government pulling the cork on plans to suspend costly paperwork in the case of a no-deal scenario, according to the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA).

Scottish government calls for post-Brexit protections for whisky

Scotch whisky must retain its current protected status if the UK leaves the EU without a deal, Fergus Ewing, the Scottish government’s secretary for the rural economy, has said.

Saunders wins chairman role at WSTA

Michael Saunders, chief executive of Bibendum PLB, has been appointed by the WSTA as its new chairman. He takes over from outgoing chairman, Dan Jago.

Tipping point

The government has revealed plans to help ensure hospitality workers get all the tips left for them, but reactions to the news were mixed, reports Michelle Perrett.

UK winemakers lobby government to scrap “damaging” planned tax rises

Winemakers in England and Wales have banded together to try and convince the government to rethink plans for a duty hike that could hamper exports and stifle growth.

No deal Brexit “not acceptable” for drinks trade

Brexit is the “most significant” short-term challenge facing the wine sector, Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) told delegates at its conference yesterday (18 September).

China to open its doors with new import expo

An international trade show backed by the Chinese government, which will focus on imported products, is poised to make its debut next month in Shanghai as the country prepares to “actively open its doors to the world”.

Wine and spirits bring £67m boost to Treasury coffers

The freeze on alcohol duty at last November’s Budget has given the Treasury a £67 million boost in just four months.

WSTA’s Gibbs leaves to work for government

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has announced its director of UK policy and social responsibility, Carlo Gibbs, will be leaving later this summer.

“Mutual recognition” at borders could help facilitate post-Brexit trade

Brexit talks floundered once again yesterday as PM Theresa May was forced to pull out of a deal with Brussels following a row with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) over the status of the Irish border.

DEFRA minister quizzed by trade on timetables and trade-route worries

Disruption at ports like Dover and the impact of drawn-out Brexit negotiations were two of the concerns raised at a meeting of the trade and Defra Food and Drink Minister, George Eustice.

New government food and drink council to secure global trade

Budget: duty frozen on wines, spirits and beers

Duty on wines, spirits and beers is to be frozen, Chancellor Philip Hammond announced in today’s budget, allaying trade fears of another rise in line with inflation.

Jerry Lockspeiser: An epic management disaster

It’s a tale of corporate mismanagement to rival the worst.

The WSTA guide – what you need to know and what you need to question about the forthcoming budget

Budget speak explained by the WSTA

Supreme Court clears path for 50p-per-unit minimum pricing in Scotland

Scotland is set to become the first country to introduce minimum unit pricing (MUP) on alcohol after the UK Supreme Court rejected a challenge by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).