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| 'No reason' for whisky duty rise | 'No reason' for whisky duty rise |
| (about 8 hours later) | |
| The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has said there is "no good reason" for a rise in duty, ahead of Chancellor Alistair Darling's first budget. | The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has said there is "no good reason" for a rise in duty, ahead of Chancellor Alistair Darling's first budget. |
| The industry is bracing itself for what could be the first rise on duty on spirits in 10 years, with reports it could increase by 30p a bottle. | The industry is bracing itself for what could be the first rise on duty on spirits in 10 years, with reports it could increase by 30p a bottle. |
| The SWA said it should remain frozen to help towards a fairer alcohol system. | The SWA said it should remain frozen to help towards a fairer alcohol system. |
| It is argued whisky continues to face a disadvantage in the UK, with a higher tax than wine and beer. | It is argued whisky continues to face a disadvantage in the UK, with a higher tax than wine and beer. |
| SWA spokesman David Williamson said: "Duty stability is supporting whisky industry competitiveness." | SWA spokesman David Williamson said: "Duty stability is supporting whisky industry competitiveness." |
| BUDGET WISHESPeople from across Scotland give their views on what should be included in the Budget.In pictures | |
| Mr Williamson said distillers were looking to invest to meet growing international demand, so would be keeping a keen eye on Wednesday's announcement. | Mr Williamson said distillers were looking to invest to meet growing international demand, so would be keeping a keen eye on Wednesday's announcement. |
| He said: "The government has recognised the benefits of a fairer alcohol duty system in recent years and we see no good reason for that policy to change in 2008. | He said: "The government has recognised the benefits of a fairer alcohol duty system in recent years and we see no good reason for that policy to change in 2008. |
| "The international evidence is clear that calls for higher duties to tackle alcohol misuse are simplistic and misplaced. | "The international evidence is clear that calls for higher duties to tackle alcohol misuse are simplistic and misplaced. |
| "We agree with the Treasury's long-held view that duty rises are not the way to tackle complex social issues around irresponsible drinking." | "We agree with the Treasury's long-held view that duty rises are not the way to tackle complex social issues around irresponsible drinking." |