Stories
Whisky is a passion to explore. From the history of the spirit to the evolution of the industry, the story of whisky helps fuel that passion. Often, it’s easy to forget that whisky is also a global multibillion dollar industry. The stories of whisky — from news and new releases to in-depth inquires and what goes on behind the label — blend together to help us appreciate the spirit of whisky.
Scotch Whisky Industry Unhappy with Excise Tax Hike
Scotch Whisky Association leaders are not happy with British chancellor Jeremy Hunt over his plans to raise excise duties on whiskies and other distilled spirits by 10.1 percent on August 1.
That plan has the support of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who backed Hunt under pressure from Scottish First Minister Houmza Yousaf to reconsider the tax hike. The Prime Minister told the BBC that Chancellor Jeremy Hunt makes all tax decisions and quote — that decision has been made.
Sunak defended the government’s support of the whisky industry, noting that taxes had been frozen in nine of the last ten budgets.
Members of the House of Commons also rejected an opposition attempt to block the excise increase from going into effect
The SWA has launched a “Keep the Commitment” campaign to put pressure on Hunt to rethink the tax hike. The “commitment” refers to the government’s pledge in 2019 to make sure the tax system supports Scotch whisky.
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