WSTA response to launch of consultation on licensing and ban on below cost sales
28 July 2010
The Coalition Government has today launched a consultation on proposals to reform the Licensing Act and introduce a ban on the sale of alcohol below cost price. Commenting on the announcement, WSTA spokesman Gavin Partington said:
“The WSTA supports a ban on selling alcohol below the level of duty plus VAT and we are keen to work with Government on this issue to ensure any future legislation does not discriminate against any particular section of the drinks industry.
“We welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate on licensing laws but it’s worth remembering that local authorities and police already have substantial powers to refuse and remove licences from problem premises.
“We hope any changes in this area focus on tackling problem drinkers and premises and don’t add unnecessary costs and burdens to the vast majority of responsible consumers and businesses.”
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Notes to editors:
WSTA
The WSTA is the UK organisation for the wine and spirit industry representing over 320 companies producing, importing, transporting and selling wines and spirits.
We campaign to promote the industry’s interests with governments at home and abroad.
We work with our members to promote the responsible production, marketing and sale of alcohol.
For more information please contact Gavin Partington:
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7089 3876
Mob: +44 (0) 7966 014058
Email:
WSTA appoints new policy and campaigns manager
The WSTA has appointed Aileen Keyes as its new policy manager.
Aileen joins the trade body from the Electoral Commission, where she has been public affairs manager. She was previously parliamentary officer for the Royal College of Nursing, following spells working for both the Scottish Executive and as a researcher for members of parliament.
Aileen replaces Amy Hefford who is taking on a public affairs role with a pharmaceutical company.
During her time at the WSTA Amy has led the association's policy work in Scotland, representing industry interests during the development of a major piece of legislation covering alcohol retail. She has also worked on environmental and transportation issues, supporting the role of the WSTA Logistics Committee.
Aileen will work across a range of policy issues affecting WSTA members.
WSTA Chief Executive Jeremy Beadles said: "I am delighted to welcome Aileen to the team. She is an experienced public affairs manager with a track record of success and I am confident her campaigning skills will be a real asset to the WSTA.
"I'd like to thank Amy Hefford for her outstanding efforts on our behalf. She has led our work in Scotland with skill and determination. I know she will be missed by member companies as well as the WSTA team but we wish her well in her new role."
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Notes to Editors:
The WSTA is the UK lobbying organisation for the wine and spirit industry representing over 320 companies producing, importing, transporting and selling wines and spirits.
We campaign to promote the industry's interests with governments at home and abroad.
We work with our members to promote the responsible production, marketing and sale of alcohol.
For more information please contact Gavin Partington:
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7089 3876
Mob: +44 (0) 7966 014058
Email:
Rose sales continue to grow
Rose wines continue to grow in popularity with figures for Britain's bars, clubs and restaurants showing rosé wine sales have risen by over 20% in value in the last year.
The figures published today in the WSTA's Quarterly Market Report, show rosé sales from shops up by 9.2% in value (7.6% in volume) in the year to May while the value of rosé sales in the on-trade is up by 21.4% (18.4% in volume)*.
Elsewhere the figures show some recovery for champagne in the off-trade with sales up significantly (12.5% in volume and 7.7% in value) following the marked decline since 2007.
The WSTA Market Report draws on data from leading independent sources including Nielsen, CGA Strategy and IWSR with analysis by Tim Wilson, author of the Wilson Drinks Report.
The latest WSTA Market Report shows that sales in shops continue to grow across all categories except fortified wine, with champagne, sparkling wine (up 6.8% in volume and 11.4% in value) and cider (up 9.9% in volume and 13.4% in value) the main winners. The past year has seen a marked growth in sales of wine in the £6 to £7 bracket (up 25% in volume and value) and the £9 to £10 price range (up 11.9% in volume and 19.1% in value).
Figures for bars, clubs and restaurants show only wine (up 0.9% in volume and 1.3% in value) and cider (up 3% in value) achieving any real value growth.
Commenting on the figures WSTA Chief Executive Jeremy Beadles said: "Given the fact that sales of other wines in bars, clubs and restaurants are down over the course of the past year the big rise in rosé is all the more striking. No doubt the recent good weather will have continued to boost its popularity.
"The growth in the £6 to £7 and £9 to £10 price ranges does suggest that while consumers may be cutting back on spending elsewhere the attraction of a better bottle of wine at home is tempting wine drinkers to spend a little more."
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Notes to editors
The WSTA is the UK organisation for the wine and spirit industry representing over 320 companies producing, importing, transporting and selling wines and spirits.
We campaign to promote the industry's interests with governments at home and abroad.
We work with our members to promote the responsible production, marketing and sale of alcohol.
*The figure for the on-trade includes both still and sparkling rosé wines
For more information please contact Gavin Partington:
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7089 3876
Mob: +44 (0) 7966 014058
Email:
