NewsBy Arabella MilehamThe Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has called on the government to freeze Spirit Duty as the previous hikes have already resulted in greater borrowing costs, inflation, and a drop in government revenue. In a statement, SWA chief executive Mark Kent argued that the 14% increase in spirits duty over the last two years had actually resulted in government revenue falling. According to HM Treasury excise receipts released on 19 September, receipts from spirits duty fell 4.9% between April and August 2025, compared to the same five-month period the previous year. Kent argued that “we need to step away from that failed approach and understand we can’t tax our way to growth”. “Our sector sees the strain first-hand — distilleries, pubs and hospitality venues throughout the UK know customers are cutting back and businesses are struggling.”He argued that a freeze on spirits duty at the next Budget was “a simple, proven, practical step that would ease pressure on households, protect jobs in our sector, and support Scotland’s world-renowned spirits industry” as well as boosting public finances.