SCOTCH whisky producers are marking “Duty Paid Day” – the day that consumers have theoretically paid off excise duty and VAT on Scotch sold in the UK in 2018.

A key industry for Scotland and the UK, supporting over 10,000 jobs directly and 40,000-plus jobs in its supply chain, Scotch whisky generates exports worth more than £4 billion to 180 markets.

Karen Betts, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, said: “Under the current excise and VAT rates, £3 in every £4 spent on Scotch whisky in the UK goes directly to the Treasury in tax. To look at this figure differently, it has taken 270 days to pay off the 74% tax burden on the average priced bottle of Scotch in the UK.”

Scotland’s national drink is already one of the highest taxed consumer goods in the UK – more than any other alcoholic product.

Betts said any further increase in the tax burden would inhibit investment and undermine future growth. Ahead of the Autumn Budget, she urged the Chancellor to continue the freeze on duty he announced last year.