a day ago
Independent distilleries 'threatened' by costs hike
Spirit makers have warned that family-run distilleries are under threat due to Labour's tax raid on their industry.
The UK Spirits Alliance, which represents 300 large and small drinks producers and bars, said a British tradition of handing brands down through the generations could soon be a thing of the past as firms are being pushed to the brink by a barrage of cost increases.
Duty on gin – which is the UK's favourite spirit by volume sales – increased by 3.65 per cent in February, after a 10.1 per cent increase in 2023, the trade body says.
Businesses are also under pressure after Labour's Budget last year, with firms hit by higher wages and National Insurance employer contributions.
Karl Mason of Masons Gin in North Yorkshire said: 'We want to pass on a thriving business to our children and grandchildren. But as things stand, distillers are struggling to survive.'
