Call for cut to ‘Scotch supertax’

A drinks industry body is calling for politicians to cut the so-called Scotch supertax to prevent further damage to the sector.

Excise and VAT on an average-priced bottle of Scotch in the UK is 79 per cent, which the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) says is holding back growth.

On a unit for unit basis, Scotch is taxed 51 per cent higher than beer and 19 per cent higher than wine.

The SWA is urging the Treasury to reduce duties paid on Scotch in the Budget.