Consultation on proposals for Spirit Drinks Regulations 2008
Defra
Area 4A
Nobel House
17 Smith Square
London SW1P 3JR
Telephone: 020 7238 6569
Email: anil.kanani@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Website: www.defra.gov.uk
31 December 2007
Dear Consultee
Consultation on Spirit Drinks Regulations 2008
Introduction
1. I am writing to you to invite your views on our proposals for changes to UK legislation to provide enforcement for spirit drinks, to protect consumers and safeguard the reputation of the industry.
Background
2. The current EC legislation governing spirit drinks above 15% alcohol (Council Regulation (EEC) 1576/89) will be replaced with a new Regulation in January 2008. Developments in the spirit drinks industry, the creation of the World Trade Organisation and the requirement of TRIPS (Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights) has resulted in the current legislation being replaced.
3. The EC Commission therefore introduced a proposal in December 2005 to address these and other issues. The dossier has been agreed by the European Parliament (EP) and the European Council of Ministers.
4. The UK consequently needs to introduce new provisions to provide for the enforcement of the new EC regulation (which will cover the definition, description, presentation, labelling and protection of geographical indications of spirit drinks produced and sold in the EU) so that they can be enforced in the UK. The proposed changes aim to maintain all the currently effective definitions and terms covering spirit drinks, but introduce strengthened safeguards for the industry against counterfeit products and protect consumers.
5. Amongst other elements, the new EC Regulation introduces new labelling requirements for vodka made from raw materials other the cereals and potatoes, requirement for technical files for geographical indications that Member States wish to be protected and enhanced definitions for London Gin and whisky. Technical files will be required for Scotch Whisky, Irish Whisk(e)y and Plymouth Gin.
6. This consultation seeks the views of a range of stakeholders, including consumers, spirit drinks producers and enforcement agencies.
7. We welcome your views and comments on the proposals.
8. The following documents may be found on the Defra website:
www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/spirits-regs08/index.htm
- Consultation document
- Impact Assessment
If you wish to obtain a hard copy of this consultation. Please contact Robin Turier on the address below until 8 February 2008:
Food and Drink Manufacturing Team
Area 4A
Nobel House
17 Smith Square
London
SW1P 3JR
and from 9 February 2008 at the following address:
Food and Drink Manufacturing Team
8th Floor
Millbank
c/o Nobel House
17 Smith Square
London
SW1P 3JR
Or via email to spiritdrinksconsultation@defra.gsi.gov.uk
10. Responses should be received by 25 March 2008 This consultation has been prepared in line with the government code of practice which is available from the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform. This can be viewed on the Department for Business Enterprise & Regulatory Reform website.
11. In line with Defra´s policy of openness, at the end of the consultation period copies of the responses we receive will be made publicly available through the Defra Information Resource Centre, Lower Ground Floor, Ergon House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR. The information they contain will also be published in a summary of responses.
12. If you do not consent to this, you must clearly request that your response be treated confidentially. Any confidentiality disclaimer generated by your IT system in e-mail responses will not be treated as such a request. You should also be aware that there may be circumstances in which Defra will be required to communicate information to third parties on request, in order to comply with its obligations under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations.
13. The library will supply copies of consultation responses to personal callers or in response to telephone or e-mail requests (tel: 020 7238 6575, email: defra.library@defra.gsi.gov.uk Wherever possible, personal callers should give the library at least 24 hour notice of their requirements. An administrative charge will be made to cover photocopying and postage costs.
14. If you have any comments or complaints about the consultation process, as opposed to the content in the consultation paper, please address them to Marjorie Addo Defra’s Consultation Co-ordinator, Area 7C Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR, or email consultation.coordinator@defra.gsi.gov.uk
15. Thank you for your help in this matter. If you have any queries please contact us as above.
Yours faithfully
Anil Kanani Team
Leader Food and Drink Manufacturing Team
Page published: 31 December 2007