Scotland's First Minister backs a cut to spirits duty in the UK Budget
Taxes are not the most glamorous whisky topic, but this one affects what ends up on shelves and in glasses. In September, Scotland's First Minister John Swinney publicly urged the UK Government to cut spirits duty in the Autumn Budget, after meeting the Council of member companies of the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).
In its Budget submission to the Treasury, the SWA asked Chancellor John Healey to cut spirits excise duty. It argues that the current system taxes Scotch and other spirits up to four times more than beer, cider and wine, calling it "a broken model for Scotland". It also says a 17% rise in excise duty over three years has reduced Treasury revenue while adding pressure on producers.
The SWA points out that hospitality businesses rely on spirits for 38% of their total profits, and that the request is part of a wider call from spirits producers across the UK. Swinney said it was clear that duty rises have placed undue pressure on the industry, and SWA Chief Executive Mark Kent said a cut would have a tangible impact on producers large and small.
The industry did also welcome improvements in market access to the United States and India in 2026. Personally, I will be watching the Budget closely: whether duty actually falls will tell us a lot about how seriously the sector's argument is being taken.
Source: Scotch Whisky Association
In its Budget submission to the Treasury, the SWA asked Chancellor John Healey to cut spirits excise duty. It argues that the current system taxes Scotch and other spirits up to four times more than beer, cider and wine, calling it "a broken model for Scotland". It also says a 17% rise in excise duty over three years has reduced Treasury revenue while adding pressure on producers.
The SWA points out that hospitality businesses rely on spirits for 38% of their total profits, and that the request is part of a wider call from spirits producers across the UK. Swinney said it was clear that duty rises have placed undue pressure on the industry, and SWA Chief Executive Mark Kent said a cut would have a tangible impact on producers large and small.
The industry did also welcome improvements in market access to the United States and India in 2026. Personally, I will be watching the Budget closely: whether duty actually falls will tell us a lot about how seriously the sector's argument is being taken.
Source: Scotch Whisky Association
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