The Wine & Spirit Trade Association


About Us

November 15th, 2011 by admin

We are a fansite for the WSTA-The Wine & Spirit Trade Association.

We are here to provide you with relevant news, resources & information about the WSTA and it’s focus within the Wine & Alcohol industry. Below you will find some interesting information about the WSTA.

“Established in 1824, the WSTA represents the whole of the wine and spirit supply chain including producers, importers, wholesalers, bottlers, warehouse keepers, logistics specialists, brand owners, licensed retailers and consultants.
The WSTA has over 320 members and works with them to promote the responsible production, marketing and sale of Alcohol and to share best practice with the entire trade. ”

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) is the only UK trade and lobbying organisation for the wine and spirit trade.  The WSTA:

  • Represent its members’ interests with Government departments and agencies, Parliament, European and International organisations and other relevant sectors
  • Offer an information centre providing commentary, guidance and advice on all legal, taxation and regulatory developments relevant to the trade
  • Provide a forum for the exchange of non-competitive information throughout the supply-chain
  • Present a positive image of the trade in the media, with consumers and opinion formers and to raise standards in the trade
  • Provide a range of valuable business services to its members

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Licensing & ADZs

November 15th, 2011 by admin
Licensing and Alcohol Disorder Zones

The licensing regimes in the UK are a fundamental part of alcohol retailing. However, since devolution, retailers have had to operate to differing requirements in the constituent parts of the UK:

  • In England and Wales, the Licensing Act 2003 came fully into force in November 2005.
  • In Scotland, the regime will be changing in 2008-2009
  • In Northern Ireland there are reforms proposed to the current regime.
  • The WSTA is active in all three jurisdictions and works with Government, local authorities and other stakeholders to minimise burdensome regulation and unnecessary costs to member companies as UK licensing legislation is developed and reviewed.

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Sustainability

November 15th, 2011 by admin

Sustainability Issues
Estimates from WRAP indicate that the carbon footprint of all alcohol consumed in the UK is 1.5% of the total UK greenhouse gas emissions of which one quarter is attributable to wine.

Environmental and sustainability issues are pushing their way further up the political and media agenda. Consumers are increasingly aware of issues such as packaging waste, recycling and carbon emissions. The WSTA will be using its Consumer Insight research, in conjunction with Wine Intelligence, to examine whether, as consumer awareness of these issues increases, they are increasingly likely to consider ‘environmental friendliness’ when choosing products.

The environmental agenda potentially presents both threats and opportunities for the WSTA and its members. This paper aims to outline some key areas of work including carbon footprinting, bottle lightweighting, recycling, bulk importation and UK bottling.

The opportunities for both economic and environmental savings may provide some good news stories and best practice development in the wine and spirit industry. The WSTA will continue to work with Government departments and related organisations to ensure that the membership is kept up to date. We will also continue to work with our members to seek opportunities, where appropriate, to engage in various ongoing initiatives.

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