Consultation on proposals for Scotch Whisky 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
Re: Consultation on Scotch Whisky Regulations 2008
Introduction
1. I am writing to you to invite your views on our proposals for changes to UK legislation to enhance the protection of the geographical indication Scotch Whisky, protect consumers and safeguard the reputation of the industry.
Background
2. The objectives behind the proposals are to enhance the protection of Scotch Whisky as a geographical indication under the EC spirit drinks regulation against counterfeit products and misleading labelling, description and presentation as well as unfair competition. This will help to protect consumers from deception and protect the reputation of the industry here and abroad.
3. The proposals are derived from a package of measures drawn up by the Scotch Whisky Association in consultation with their member companies which produce over 95% of the Scotch Whisky sold worldwide.
4. This consultation seeks the views of a range of stakeholders, including consumers, Scotch Whisky producers and enforcement agencies.
5. We welcome your views and comments on the proposals.
6.The following documents may be found on the Defra website:
www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/whisky-regs08/index.htm
- Consultation document
- Consultation Stage Impact Assessment
7. If you wish to obtain a 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
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 scotchwhiskyconsultation@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Responses
8. Please send responses on this proposal in writing to Stuart Cooper at the following address until 8 February 2008:
Food and Drink Manufacturing Team
Area 4A
Nobel House
17 Smith Square
London
SW1P 3JR
From 9 February 2008, please send responses to himat 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 scotchwhiskyconsultation@defra.gsi.gov.uk
9. 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 at http://bre.berr.gov.uk/regulation/consultation/code/index.asp
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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
14. 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