Legislation - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Scottish government delays mandatory calorie labelling

Published: 31 May, 2023

The Scottish government has today (31 May) announced that it will be delaying the planned implementation of mandatory calorie labelling.

Sir Graham Brady announced as new chair of Wine and Spirits APPG

Published: 18 May, 2023

Sir Graham Brady, MP for Altrincham and Sale West, has been announced as the new chair of Wine and Spirits APPG.

UK government announces free trade deals with Australia and New Zealand in boost for wine exports

Published: 05 May, 2023

The UK’s free trade deals with Australia and New Zealand will come into effect at the end of the month as the Commonwealth allies enter talks ahead of the coronation of King Charles III.

Félix Solís Avantis trials QR codes and digital seals for UK exports

Published: 20 April, 2023

In a bid to reduce export times and mitigate “Brexit costs” Spanish wine company Félix Solís Avantis is trialling shipments using blockchain technology.

Scotland’s alcohol advertising ban ‘sent back to drawing board’

Published: 19 April, 2023

After significant backlash from the Scottish drinks trade proposals to restrict alcohol advertising north of the border have been, “sent back to the drawing board”, first minister Humza Yousaf has announced.

Scottish drink trade welcomes DRS delay announcement

Published: 18 April, 2023

Following months of petitioning from the drinks trade, new Scottish first minister Humza Yousaf announced that the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) will be delayed until March 2024.

Letter to Scottish government calls for delay to DRS

Published: 07 March, 2023

Hundreds of businesses have joined forces calling on the Scottish government to “delay, review and rethink” its Deposit Return Scheme.

Wine and spirit businesses welcome the Windsor Framework Agreement

Published: 03 March, 2023

The Windsor Framework Agreement, a system designed to facilitate the movement of goods from GB to Ireland post-Brexit has been welcomed by the UK wine and spirit businesses.

Small businesses disadvantaged as DRS saga continues

Published: 03 March, 2023

The Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA) continues to express serious concerns over the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) ahead of the August launch date with many questions about its operation still unanswered and small businesses still disadvantaged.

Sustainability key motivator for Australian wine consumers

Published: 01 March, 2023

Sustainable Winegrowing Australia released its Impact Report for the 2021–22 financial year this week, revealing a record growth in membership by Australian grape growers and winemakers.

Trade Associations unite against alcohol ad ban

Published: 21 February, 2023

The UK’s trade associations, representing the alcohol and retail sectors, have joined forces to oppose the Scottish government’s proposals for a ban on alcohol advertising and promotion.

Analysis: Tougher ad guidelines

Published: 13 February, 2023

For a long time, alcohol’s advertising regulations have been clear. Led by the CAP and BCAP codes for broadcast and non-broadcast media, ASA rulings and the Portman Group’s Code of Conduct, advertising of licensed and age-restricted products in the UK should not incite people to adopt styles of drinking that are unwise, target under 18s or encourage excessive drinking. Ads cannot be portrayed as mood boosting or therapeutic, either – something Brewdog discovered when it tried to market its hard seltzer cans with a wink and a nod to industry watchdogs.

Industry “absolutely shocked” by proposed Scottish alcohol advertising ban

Published: 18 January, 2023

The Scottish government is in the midst of a consultation, seeking views on potential restrictions to alcohol advertising and promotion in Scotland.

Scottish businesses brace for divisive DRS

Published: 16 January, 2023

With news of the cost of living crisis and staff shortages in hospitality dominating headlines in the industry of late, the issue of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Scotland has taken a back seat.

Business energy support to reduce from March government announces

Published: 11 January, 2023

The goverment has announced a new energy support for businesses that will take effect from 1 April 2023, although at a lower rate than the present scheme.

Government extends alcohol duty-freeze for six months

Published: 20 December, 2022

The freeze on UK alcohol duty rates has been extended six months to 1 August 2023, the government announced yesterday (19 December 2022).

Prosecco’s quality battles

Published: 19 December, 2022

While there is a superior classification for Prosecco, James Bayley finds that it sometimes misses the finest players.

85% of alcohol product complaints concern appeal to underage drinkers

Published: 14 December, 2022

A new alcohol report has found that 85% of formal complaints considered by the Portman Group's Independent Complaints Panel (ICP) were regarding whether alcohol packaging and marketing had particular appeal to under-18s.

WSTA pens letter to Chancellor opposing alcohol duty u-turn

Published: 15 November, 2022

Over 100 business executives from across the alcohol industry have signed a letter written to the Times calling on the Chancellor to bring back the freeze on alcohol duty.