Diageo boss warns British Government against causing downturn in Scotch whiskey sales

The British boss of Diageo has warned the British government against triggering another downturn in Scotch whisky sales by serving up a tax hike in November's Budget.

Charles Ireland, general manager for Great Britain, Ireland and France, said the move would be counterproductive because British Treasury takings from Scotch fell when the Chancellor imposed a 3.9% tax rise earlier this year.