Plans to change the classifications of alcoholic drinks for duty purposes have been raised in Parliament by the local MP of the company planning a new whisky distillery in Londonderry.
Niche Drinks Ltd, who produce St Brendan’s Irish Cream liqueur, are concerned that changes brought about by a European ruling in 2008 may adversely affect them by increasing the duty to be paid on their products.
MD, Ciaran Mulgrew, was quoted in the Belfast Telegraph as saying: “Products which for the past 30 years have been taxed in one way, might be taxed in another way, despite the fact that the product hasn’t changed in 30 years. That is a bit disturbing. If we end up losing a considerable part of our production it doesn’t help us.”
However, he was at pains to say that it would have no effect on their planned £10m distillery in the Campsie area of the Northern Irish town.
Foyle MP Mark Durkan raised the subject at Prime Minister’s Questions in Westminster on Wednesday.
