Moray SNP News

LOCHHEAD COMMENTS ON INTRODUCTION OF 75% TAX ON BOTTLE OF SCOTCH WHISKY

The UK Government’s new alcohol duty system comes into force tomorrow and will see the Scotch whisky industry hit by the largest increase in 40 year, with the average bottle taxed at 75%. 

Moray’s MSP Richard Lochhead has been strongly opposed to the Tory tax hike on Scotch whisky and has continued to voice serious concerns that the big rise could lead to a loss of investment in Speyside.

The Tory Government will raise duty on Scotch by 10% despite election promises in 2019 to review the alcohol duty system to ensure it supported Scotland’s whisky industry.

Commenting Mr Lochhead said:

“As the MSP representing the iconic Speyside region I’ve been strongly opposed to the Tory’s plans to hike duty on Scotch whisky. These distillers are some of the biggest employers in Moray and the industry is vital to our economy. There are serious concern within the local industry about the impact duty increases will have on future investment in our region.

“There’s no doubt this 10% increase in duty – the highest rise in 40 years – is a complete betrayal of one of Scotland’s most valued industries.

“Ahead of the 2019 general election, we had the Tories announce to big fanfare their plans to ensure the tax system supported the Scotch whisky industry. That commitment has been abandoned and the average bottle of whisky will now be taxed at an astonishing 75%.

“As usual we get big promises from the Tories in the run up to an election. Those promises been long forgotten and the Scotch whisky industry is once again being singled out to boost UK Treasury coffers.”