Scottish Government calls for whisky to be defined in law

Whisky glass - picture credit: PA

Scotch whisky should be defined in law in order to protect exports after Brexit, according to the Scottish Government.

Economy Secretary Keith Brown has called for the current EU definition of whisky to be applied into law after the UK leaves the EU.

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The Scotch whisky industry currently employs around 10,000 people, with another 10,000 employed indirectly in the supply chain.

Brown said: “The US made clear in the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership discussions that they would support a relaxation of the definition of whisky, which would open the market up to a number of products which do not currently meet that standard.
 
“Whisky is a product which is worth around £4 billion to Scotland in exports.

“It is vital that we continue to have robust legal protection of Scotch whisky, which is why I have sought clarification from the UK Government as to whether Scotch whisky featured in discussions during last week’s trade visit by the Secretary of State for International Trade.

“I am also demanding that the current EU regulations are guaranteed post-Brexit.
 
“After reports this week that the UK Government is contemplating trade deals that that threaten the value and reputation of Scottish produce, once again we can see the confusion which is at the heart of the UK Government’s Brexit position.”

Brown said any future deals must “work for Scotland” and do not threatening the livelihoods of Scottish farmers and producers.