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Jeremy Beadles, Chief Executive, Wine & Spirit Trade Association

Published:  07 July, 2011

Set against a backdrop of tax increases and squeezed household budgets the obvious major challenge facing the wine and spirits sector is how to flourish in today's tough economic environment.

 

Set against a backdrop of tax increases and squeezed household budgets the obvious major challenge facing the wine and spirits sector is how to flourish in today's tough economic environment.

At the harsh end of course that has been exacerbated by the significant ongoing increases in tax which continue to put pressure on the industry.

The Government's focus on reducing the economic deficit suggests we face a continuing battle to convince politicians that duty increases are damaging to an industry that ought to play its part in the nation's economic recovery.

It's equally clear that we face continuing pressure over our contribution to efforts to tackle alcohol misuse.  While the Public Health Responsibility Deal offers the industry an opportunity to play its proper role in helping foster a culture of responsible drinking a vociferous public health lobby continues to seek further restrictions on the marketing and sale of our products.

The Government too has made clear that work on the Deal so far represents a start so we should expect to have to deliver more in the months ahead. After last week's election results we should also expect another push in Scotland for minimum pricing.

In the face of these various challenges we should be clear about the efforts we as a sector are making.

We want to work with Government in tackling duty evasion and other forms of fraud which cost the industry and ordinary consumers dearly.  That's why we are leading industry efforts with a new WSTA anti-fraud unit to report suspected fraudulent activity within the wine and spirit trade.

We'll play our part in ensuring that alcohol-related legislation and voluntary industry standards governing responsible promotion and sale of products are rigorously adhered to.

We'll continue to roll out Community Alcohol Partnerships as part of the drive to address the issue of underage sales.

On the environment, we'll show the progress being made in cutting carbon emissions and reducing packaging waste, through use of new materials and bulk importation.

Let's ensure the tax and regulatory environment in which we operate encourages these positive steps and our proper role as a driver of economic growth in the UK.

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