UK and the US have been able to trade their whiskies tariff free across the Atlantic for over quarter of a century. However, since 2018, an unnecessary 25% ‘rebalancing tariff’ has been imposed on all imported Bourbon and other Whiskey from the USA. These tariffs have seen UK imports of Bourbon drop by 53% since June 2018. (Distilled Spirits Council of United States)

12 months of COVID-19 restrictions have had devastating impact on both sides of the Atlantic. The hospitality industry has been hit harder by the pandemic than almost any other sector in the UK; venues have been closed for the majority of the year with 10,000 licensed premises shutting their doors for good.

On top of this, UK consumers have paid over £55m in tariffs on imported American Whiskies. This has deterred new customers from exploring the world of Bourbon and prevented fans of quality American Whiskey and Bourbon from enjoying their favourite drinks, with a devastating knock-on effect to the revenue of venues, retailers, and wholesalers across our industry.  

To prevent further losses, we need decisive action to protect customers, and to support the UK’s hospitality sector and the wider economy. We must support the sector and give British drinkers the choice they deserve.

We are campaigning for Government to remove the tariff – and to support the sector which has been hit hardest by the pandemic, encouraging customers to get back out and enjoy the drinks they love.

By eliminating the tariff on Bourbon, we can inject millions of pounds back into the UK’s hospitality sector, protecting jobs and driving revenue at this crucial time for the industry.