Hard to swallow for SWA
INDUSTRY body the Scotch Whisky Association conceded defeat on minimum pricing last night.
But the group, who fought the plan for years, warned it could still lead to trade barriers and hurt exports.
Chief executive Karen Betts said: “The Scotch whisky industry will continue to work in partnership with the Government and the voluntary sector to promote responsible drinking and to tackle alcohol-related harm.
“We will now look to the Scottish and UK Governments to support the industry against the negative effects of trade barriers being raised in overseas markets that discriminate against Scotch whisky as a consequence of minimum pricing, and to argue for fair competition on our behalf.
“This is vital in order that the jobs and investment the industry provides in Scotland are not damaged. At home, we hope to see an objective assessment of the impact of MUP.”
The SWA tied the policy up in the courts despite overwhelming support from health experts and others in the drinks industry.
The association pointed to European rulings describing it as a trade barrier, warning other countries will impose measures which will damage whisky export.
Feared measures include “spurious” health-related barriers by foreign governments to protect local brands and undermine Scotch in their markets.
In 2012, the EC, Bulgaria, Italy, Portugal, France and Spain opposed the policy, fearing it might damage local brands which benefit from a lower cost.
The SWA said it is a regressive policy that hits responsible drinkers, in particular those on the lowest incomes.
The SWA prefer tax and duty – which the Scottish Government do not control.