Fraser: Targeted duty increases the best way forward for tackling Scotland’s drink problem

Diageo have submitted a response to the Treasury's consultation on alcohol taxation, calling for a staged reform of excise duty.

Murdo Fraser MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health & Wellbeing, says:

"This is a welcome contribution to the debate from Diageo. It is right that all we get as broad an input as possible before deciding on the way forward.

"Diageo rightly accepts the principle that the best way to deal with these issues is through reforms to the tax system, not the introduction of a blanket minimum unit price. They also back a ban on the sale of alcohol below cost price.

"We want to see a floor price set for alcohol, coupled with targeted duty increases, and we back a ban on irresponsible supermarket promotions. The SNP's blanket minimum pricing plans would penalise responsible drinkers, harm the Scotch whisky industry, cost jobs and is probably illegal."

Back to all posts