Legislation - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Red tape cut for thousands of growing businesses

Published: 04 October, 2022

On Sunday, October 2, prime minister Liz Truss announced that red tape would be cut for thousands of growing businesses.

What next for UK wine labelling scheme?

Published: 05 September, 2022

By the time this feature is published, a new UK wine labelling scheme should be effective. However, according to the Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA), the government has signalled its intention to defer the introduction of the forthcoming labelling rules until 1 January, 2024.

Calls for Northern Ireland MUP to create a ‘level playing field’

Published: 16 August, 2022

Northern Ireland appears to be inching closer to the introduction of minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol after neighbours Republic of Ireland and Scotland introduced the legislation in January 2022 and May 2018, respectively.

Conservative Party members oppose wine tax hikes

Published: 09 August, 2022

According to new YouGov research, over three-quarters of Tory party members want tax on wine to be frozen at its current rate or reduced.

Prosecco DOC announces trademark protection in New Zealand

Published: 04 August, 2022

The Consorzio di Tutela Prosecco DOC is now a recognised trademark in New Zealand following a bilateral agreement with the European Trademark office.

Pavement licences introduced during Covid will be made permanent next year

Published: 25 July, 2022

Temporary changes brought in to help the hospitality industry during Covid will be extended until Spring 2023 before being made permanent.

WSTA welcomes Alcohol Duty Review delay

Published: 22 July, 2022

Following months of lobbying from the trade, the government yesterday (July 20) delayed its alcohol duty review till the Autumn.

Sustainability Update: Grupo Avinea joins global “4 per 1000” initiative

Published: 20 July, 2022

Grupo Avinea, the wine group behind Bodega Argento, has become the first Argentinian wine producer to join the '4 per 1000' initiative, a global movement that aims to demonstrate the crucial role of agriculture, and in particular agricultural soils, in tackling the issues of food security and climate change.

Scotland’s minimum unit alcohol pricing may not be curbing drinking in those most vulnerable

Published: 19 July, 2022

The introduction of minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol may not be curbing drinking habits of those most at risk, according to a new report.

WSET course providers now able to resume activities in mainland China

Published: 18 July, 2022

Following a suspension of business in mainland China in 2021, the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) will once again offer courses.

Government extends off-sales licence after backlash

Published: 18 July, 2022

The government has announced that it will extend the alcohol off-sales easement, introduced during the pandemic, to September 2023, following a campaign led by UKHospitality and other sector bodies.

Herdade dos Grous joins IWCA

Published: 13 July, 2022

Herdade dos Grous has joined the International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA), committing to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions annually and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

‘It’s not the job of businesses to solve global problems’ says Mangrove MD

Published: 30 June, 2022

A new taxpayer-funded ad campaign will ask businesses to cut prices to help with the cost-of-living crisis from July.

Vodka's wild ride

Published: 29 June, 2022

The corporate world is very fond of quoting an old adage: “Commerce hates noise.” Yet vodka brands cannot hide from the upheaval caused by Ukraine, rising inflation and post-pandemic behavioural shifts. With the political, economic, and social environment in a state of realignment, spirit brands have been presented with a unique set of opportunities, and threats, in 2022.

Nusrat Ghani, MP, calls for more support for UK vineyards

Published: 21 June, 2022

Nusrat Ghani, MP for Wealden and co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Wine and Spirits, wants to see the government do more to help English and Welsh winemakers.

The weighty burden of alcohol’s rising costs

Published: 30 May, 2022

When chancellor Rishi Sunak announced his proposed changes to alcohol duty in the October Budget, he described them as the “most radical simplification of alcohol duties for over 140 years”. Under the present system, there are three duty rates on wine – one for still wine, a slightly higher one for sparkling wine and an even higher one for fortified wine.

Miles Beale speaks out against the government’s £300m tax increase on wine

Published: 23 May, 2022

As the latest Wine Drinkers UK communique suggests, taxing alcohol is set to cost the wine industry an estimated £300 million and push up prices for UK consumers, without bringing any significant boost to Treasury funds.

Portman Group updates alcohol labelling guidelines

Published: 11 May, 2022

Today, the Portman Group, the alcohol social responsibility body and alcohol marketing self-regulator, has updated its Alcohol Labelling Guidelines, providing best practice guidance to alcohol producers.

Labelling warning: how cigarette-style labels could affect alcohol

Published: 11 May, 2022

For 20 years, graphic warnings have been emblazoned on cigarette packets in the UK, warning consumers of the health risks associated with tobacco. A couple of decades later and alcohol might be subjected to similar labelling, potentially dissuading young people from buying beer, wine and spirits in the future.