NEW EUROPEAN laws to protect the Scotch whisky industry against cheap imitations were welcomed last night, writes Steve Bargeton, political editor.

The European Parliament yesterday passed new rules to protect the production and labelling of spirits such as whisky and vodka, ensuring that regional product labelling, such as “Scottish Whisky” and “London Gin,” will be protected.

As well as introducing a clearer legal definition of “whisky,” which will assist whisky distillers to tackle unfair and misleading practices overseas, the new law makes it explicit that whisky cannot be flavoured or sweetened. The law also makes it easier to ensure national rules on Scotch whisky are enforced across the 27 EU member states.

However MEPs voted down a bid by members from Poland, Finland, the Baltic states, Sweden and Denmark to tighten the legal definition of vodka.

The so-called “vodka belt” countries wanted to restrict the term to spirits made only from potatoes or grain, but a majority of MEPs voted in favour of a looser definition taking in sugar beet, grapes and even citrus fruit, which are used as ingredients by producers in countries such as Britain, France and Germany and account for nearly a third of EU vodka production.

The decision means Scots spirit producers will be able to continue making and selling vodka and that Britain will retain its position as the world’s second-largest vodka maker, after Russia.

Commenting on the new laws relating to whisky, Nick Soper, the Scotch Whisky Association’s European affairs director, said, “Improved EU protection for the traditional way of making Scotch whisky is a significant step forward. It will be easier to protect Scotch from unfair practices, supporting export success and the jobs that depend on that continued success.”

Angus-based MEP Ian Hudghton (SNP) has been campaigning for the EU to recognise and protect both the name Scotch whisky as a distinctive brand and the traditional methods used.

“This could have gone further but I believe we’ve achieved a good deal that will help provide a secure future for the Scotch whisky industry,” he said. “This is good news for Scotland and our whisky producers and I’m pleased to have been able to support it.”

Scottish Labour MEP David Martin said, “This deal is vital for the Scotch whisky industry to protect Scottish brands and distilleries worldwide against cheap imitations from overseas. It is good for Scottish trade and Scottish jobs.”