A television programme will tonight float the idea of introducing a £1 tax on whisky to boost the Scottish Government’s finances. The call, from Prof John Kay and former RBS chairman and Senior SNP Adviser George Mathewson, outlined the proposal that would, they claim, bring an extra £1 billion to the economy.
However, the Scottish Conservatives have criticised the idea, stating it will make whisky less competitive in the global market.
Nanette Milne, Scottish Conservative MSP for the North East said:
“The whisky industry is a great asset to Scotland which provides many jobs and it’s extremely good for the economy.
“A new whisky tax is not something Scottish Conservatives would support at all, especially at a time when all businesses need assistance from the Scottish Government, not a penalty.
“The whisky industry in Scotland has gone from strength to strength in recent years partly due to the UK Conservative Government securing an agreement with Chinese officials which means Scotch Whisky on sale in China can only be sold according to UK rules.
“The whisky industry needs a stable economic environment in which to plan and invest. The UK Government has taken a practical step to protect Scotch Whisky and Scottish Conservatives will continue to do all we can to support such an iconic product.
“I hope that SNP Ministers will rule out a new whisky tax.”