Has Rachel Reeves just dealt a hammer blow to small distilleries by refusing them fair duty relief? |
By Liam Hirt
I recently called upon support for a plea to the Chancellor, in advance of the Autumn Budget, so today’s budget has been a hammer blow to the whole industry.
The open letter called for parity with brewers and cider makers, as the existing scheme - limited to products under 8.5% ABV - undermines its goal of supporting small businesses and innovation across the UK drinks industry.
Supporters of the open letter included Elsham Wold Distillery, Wharf Distillery, Doghouse distillery, London Distilling Co, Ludlow Distillery, Grasmere distillery, Spirit of Birmingham, Exploring Whisky and more.
If the Small Producers Relief had been extended to alcohol over 8.5%, this would have meant that small distilleries could offer a locally produced product to customers at a competitive........