Scotch Whisky Association industry attacks the Scottish National Party over “crazy” campaign for minimum prices
The Scotsman reports that
The Scotch whisky industry also argues that France could become an issue if the SNP presses ahead with its policy on alcohol. France is the second-biggest market for Scotch whisky. Hewitt warns it has its own strong protectionist reasons for instituting a potential copycat ban on minimum pricing for Scotch.
Hewitt said: “I was across in France very recently and sources told me that there is strong anecdotal evidence Bordeaux wines and champagne are currently in a parlous state. Their sales are down by value by about 40 per cent and 25 per cent respectively.
“The French (who do not tax wine) might well try to favour their wine trade further in these circumstances at the expense of spirits, where Scotch is the biggest seller in France, and dress it up as a health measure.”
The SWA has estimated that French minimum pricing would reduce whisky exports by £86m a year.
Taking the point of view of a Whisky Fan living abroad in a poorer country than France, any increase in Tax would have a horrible affect on the cost of Whisky here. At current exchange rates the pound is worth about 6 Arg Pesos. So just a couple of extra pounds on the Whisky cost would be a HUGE increase in price here.
Hopefully the SNP will reconsider their view point as we don’t want to end up having only Fernet available here!
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