A coalition of eight spirits industry representative organisations across the UK — including the powerful Scotch Whisky Association — has released a joint statement condemning the “devastating impact of the 17% increase to spirits duty over the last three years.”

Scotch Whisky exports were valued at £5.36 billion in 2025. Scotch accounts for 22% of the UK’s total food and drink exports. About 41,000 jobs are supported by the whisky industry in Scotland alone.

The coalition said: “The Government’s own data shows that UK spirits producers, our supply chains and consumers across the country, can see the devastating impact of the 17% increase to spirits duty over the last three years.

“Spirits revenue has fallen by £94m in 2025/26, and revenue is £1.1bn lower than was forecast when the new alcohol duty system was introduced in 2023.

“It is critical that HM Treasury do not turn a blind eye to the role the punitive and distortive duty rate has had on spirits revenue, in addition to job losses and investment pauses across the spirits industry.

“Spirits duty amounts to a super tax on the industry and must be urgently addressed. Pubs and the wider hospitality industry cannot survive on beer alone, yet hard pressed consumers are being forced to pay over the odds to responsibly enjoy premium spirits, which underpin the profitability of many bars, pubs and restaurants.

“HM Treasury promised a review of the new alcohol duty system three years after its implementation. We welcome the launch of that evaluation, and our organisations are united in our call for the review to be as comprehensive as possible, and for the Autumn Budget to take steps to support the UK’s worldclass spirits industry.”

The signatories to the joint statement were:

Scotch Whisky Association

UK Spirits Alliance

Wine and Spirits Trade Association

The Gin Guild

English Whisky Guild

Drinks Ireland: Spirits

Irish Whiskey Association

Welsh Whisky Association