Wine and Spirit Trade Association

Two days left until #Budget. What is the wine easement and why should it be made permanent? Put simply: the easement means businesses don’t have to calculate separate a duty amount for each different wine/vintage of that same wine in their portfolio. On 1st August 2023, the Government implemented a new alcohol duty system - whereby all category of alcoholic drink was taxed according to labelled ABV. The easement provides a simplification for wine between 11.5-14.5% (over 85% of the market), by taxing according to a midpoint of 12.5%. DEFRA reforms in early 2023 permit labelling to one decimal place. If the easement ends, calculation will be required for every 0.1% ABV increment, which would mean 30 different possible payments between 11.5-14.5% ABV, compared to 1 currently (£2.67). A lot more costly red tape. What happens if the wine easement is abolished on 1 February 2025? It's going to cost you - both financially as well as added operational and administrative burden to manage ABV variation with your range, and between different vintage years. The easement will have a significant impact across the supply chain - including the on-trade. What can I do about it? Write to your MP now ahead of the budget. Find your local MP here: https://ow.ly/uIUv50TUiGk The Wine and Spirit Trade Association #Budget #WineEasement

Come with us for a trip to Hayman's of London Distillery! With just a couple of days left to go until the budget, this visit was a great chance for us to talk to talk to the Hayman's team about their concerns over duty rises and the need for Government to confirm the end of the costly duty-stamp regime for spirit drinks. Thank you to Hayman's for hosting us and we are looking forward to our next member visit! #WSTAMemberMoments https://lnkd.in/ev3Qrs6z #WSTA #WineAndSpirits #Budget

On Tuesday, Bordeaux-based Chateau Bauduc, and UK importer, Decorum Wines appeared on Radio 4’s PM to discuss with Evan Davis what faces the wine industry, and UK supply chain if the temporary easement ends on 1st February 2025. The effects are clear: More complexity and higher costs for business, reduced choice, and a less attractive and more burdensome route to exporting to the world’s second largest wine import market. As presenter Evan Davis outlines, the Chancellor has a choice at the budget next Wednesday: Implement an inherited plan and timescale, or break with Conservative policy and lay down a marker in the new Government’s first budget – and the final budget in which the easement can be made permanent. https://lnkd.in/e4QXNNSu

One week until the #Budget. A chance for HM Treasury and Rachel Reeves to avoid stifling red tape and costs for business, protect consumers and stabilise Treasury revenue by making the easement permanent, and freezing duty. Next Wednesday is the last chance to maintain the wine easement before its planned expiry on 1st February 2025. Ending the easement will cause disruption across the supply chain, add significant, recurring operational costs for business, and will weigh heaviest on SMEs in the wine industry. With receipts from duty down by c.£500m in the first six months of the financial year, the sensible choice is to freeze duty for two years, stabilising demand among price-sensitive consumers, and in turn, income to the Exchequer. Read the WSTA’s budget asks in full here: https://lnkd.in/g3mwwe8U #WSTA #WineAndSpirits #WineEasement Majestic Wine, Laithwaites Wine, The Wine Society, Viña Concha y Toro, Bludge, Carringtons Fine Wines, CHEERS WINE MERCHANTS LIMITED, Christopher Piper Wines, Condor Wines, Frazier's Wine Merchants Ltd, L'oculto Cocina, Lea & Sandeman Wine Merchants | London, UK, Montague Fine & Rare Wines Ltd, Monty's Wine Emporium, Reserve Wines, Tilley's Wines, Hal Wilson, Miles Beale

HMRC’s latest figures show that receipts from #AlcoholDuty are down c.£500m since April: Last August’s duty increases added 20% duty for 85% of wine on the market, and 10% for most spirits. At the #budget, duty must be frozen to stabilise sales volumes and Government revenue. #WSTA #WineAndSpirits

On October the 10th, we were delighted to join the team at Majestic Wine Comiston Road in welcoming Secretary of State and local MP, Ian Murray. The visit included a walkthrough of the complexity of the industry supply chain, and discussions covering a range of policy issues facing specialist wine retailers across the country. A great opportunity at the coalface to brief the Secretary of State on the impacts of withdrawing the temporary easement on 1st February 2025: For retailers, customers, the full supply chain (including the on-trade), and importantly, for Government revenue. #WSTA #WineAndSpirits #Budget #WineEasement #WineRetailers

On Friday we were delighted to welcome Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst MP to Frazier’s, to discuss the highly controversial alcohol duty system which is due to be implemented on 1st February 2025. The new duty system includes 30 different tax bands for wines based on alcohol content, replacing the current flat rate for 11.5% - 14.5% ABV wines. This change will not only increase costs and complexity for wine retailers but could result in your favourite wine rising in price or potentially being removed from the range. What can I do? 🍷You can read more about this issue here: https://lnkd.in/ee3uD3qM 🍷Contact your elected local MP to raise the issue. Thank you #frazierswine #WSTA Wine and Spirit Trade Association #wineduty #WineEasement

Did you catch Steve Finlan, CEO The Wine Society on LBC this morning? Steve had the opportunity to speak with Nick Ferrari on the upcoming budget, and why the Government must keep the easement. Give it a listen ⬇️ #WSTA #Budget #WineEasement https://lnkd.in/eHdxW8cM

Is your business looking to tap into the growing low-alcohol and alcohol-free sector? With the rise of health-conscious consumers and initiatives that encourage occasional sobriety, now is the perfect time to explore this expanding market. 🌱 At the WSTA, we represent both alcohol and low/no members, and we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of entering this space. https://lnkd.in/gjtKDFc3 #LowAndNoAlcohol #WSTA #SoberOctober #AlcoholIndustry #LabelCompliance

Following a consumer info campaign started by Majestic Wine, The Wine Society and Laithwaites Wine, small indie retailers are now following suit. UK wide small businesses and independents from across the wine industry unite in the poster campaign to warn customers that from February 2025, wine tax will be further complicated, adding a huge admin burden trade – especially SME's - leading to price hikes. Please maintain the wine easement James Murray. #Budget #WSTA Bludge, Carringtons Fine Wines, CHEERS WINE MERCHANTS LIMITED, Christopher Piper Wines, Condor Wines, Frazier's Wine Merchants Ltd, L'oculto Cocina, Lea & Sandeman Wine Merchants | London, UK, Montague Fine & Rare Wines Ltd, Monty's Wine Emporium, Reserve Wines, Tilley's Wines