An SNP MP has joined calls by the Scottish finance secretary has called for the chancellor Rishi Sunak to introduce a tax and excise duty waiver so small distilleries can more easily produce hand sanitiser.
Several companies, including Edinburgh based Leith Gin, have converted their production lines to produce the gels for the NHS, care homes, and others in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Glasgow North MP Patrick Grady has made the call after being contacted by The Glasgow Distillery Company, who want to produce hand sanitiser but face the challenge of paying duty on the product even if it’s not being sold.
The Scottish finance secretary Kate Forbes made a similar call on Saturday, asking for greater flexibility on alcohol tax and regulations for alcoholic drink manufacturers that are now looking to produce hand sanitiser in response to Covid-19.
Patrick Grady MP said: "We know many local companies like Glasgow Distillery are looking to do their bit to tackle coronavirus and support their communities by producing hand sanitiser.
"HMRC should be helping them by waiving the duty, which can otherwise make it prohibitive.
"There is a real shortage of hand sanitiser in the quantities needed for our care homes, homeless charities, and other bodies.
"Small distilleries can help out with this emergency, if the UK government is willing to lift the red tape."
