Whisky bash at British ambassador’s residence
Photo: Mati Milstein
Will scotch party bring tax down?
British embassy holds whisky celebration in hopes of prompting reduction of Israeli tax on scotch
The British ambassador’s Ramat Gan residence was the scene of high spirits, cheerful laughs, and plenty of whisky Thursday evening, in an event dedicated to raising awareness of exceedingly high taxes imposed on scotch imports to Israel.
About 100 people attended the British embassy’s whisky celebration, which featured brief speeches and a fine selection of scotch for the enjoyment of guests. Despite the good mood, the issue is not a laughing matter, as whisky exports constitute 25% of the United Kingdom’s food exports. Yet British whisky exporters need to cope with what amounts to an almost 200% Israeli tax on their products, far higher than the levy on other kinds of alcoholic beverages.
'No right or wrong way to enjoy whisky' (Photo: Mati Milstein)
British Embassy Spokeswoman Karen Kaufman said that despite efforts to change this reality in recent months, high taxes are still in place, but expressed her hope that the night’s event and ongoing pressure will raise awareness of the issue, ultimately prompting an amended taxation policy.
Speakers at the event included British Ambassador to Israel Tom Philips, as well as Scotch Whisky Association Public Affairs Manager David Williamson, who flew in from Scotland. Williamson encouraged those in attendance to enjoy whisky any way they saw fit, saying he believed there is “no right or wrong way” to do it. He also noted that with the huge variety of scotch available, it was not a matter of one not liking whisky, but rather, ”it means you haven’t yet found the one for you.”
However, the highlight of the night was a friendly whisky-tasting “competition” pitting the American embassy’s Robert McKinnon against the British embassy’s Yigal Levin. Both contenders were up to the challenge, accurately identifying scotch and Jim Beam following a quick tasting session.
Members of the Knesset’s Finance Committee were also reportedly in attendance, raising hopes that the evening’s excitement would prompt them to take some action, allowing all Israelis to enjoy their favorite scotch at a reasonable price.
