UKHospitality has joined the Scotch Whisky Association in urging the UK Government to freeze alcohol duty in the Autumn Budget.
The call comes amid rising concern over job losses and cost burdens in both hospitality and drinks production. UKHospitality recently revealed that almost half of all job losses since the last Budget were in hospitality, while the Scotch Whisky industry has shed 1,000 jobs — 2.7% of its directly employed workforce.
The SWA blamed the cuts on a 14% rise in Excise duty over two years, alongside global headwinds including US tariffs. Whisky and other spirits face the highest tax burden of all alcohol categories, and the highest rate in the G7.
Both organisations are calling for a freeze on duty for the rest of the Parliamentary term, arguing that stability would boost confidence across the supply chain.
