Moray MSP Richard Lochhead raises concerns ahead of new alcohol duty system which will see 75% tax on whisky

THE UK Government’s new alcohol duty system comes into force tomorrow (August 1) and will see the Scotch whisky industry hit by the largest increase in 40 years, with the average bottle taxed at 75%.

Under the new system, duty on Scotch will rise by 10%, with the rates of duty rising on all alcoholic beverages based on percentage.

Moray MSP Richard Lochhead has voiced serious concerns that the big rise on whisky could lead to a loss of investment in Speyside.

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."

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