Diageo Says Whisky Tax Hike Threatens Scottish Industry

Global drinks producer Diageo Plc has accused Jeremy Hunt of delivering a “hammer blow” to Scotch whisky, after the chancellor of the Exchequer increased duty on alcohol and only offered relief on pints of beer and other draught products.

Hunt’s decision to extend relief for draught beer was welcomed by pub bosses from companies such as J D Wetherspoon Plc and Greene King Ltd., but drinks manufacturers were frustrated by higher levies for other categories.

“Today’s decision is a hammer blow for pubs, drinkers and for Scotch, a UK homegrown industry supporting tens of thousands of jobs,” said Nuno Teles ...