WHISKY GALORE

12th November 1965, Page 66

12th November 1965

Page 66

Page 66, 12th November 1965 — WHISKY GALORE

Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

A T Forres recently, Mr. L. A. Wells, IA Scottish deputy Licensing Authority, was left to decide whether whisky was a food, or a commodity which could be ernbraced within the term agricultural produce.

This question arose during the hearing of an application by A. Ross and Sons. Fochabers, to add an additional vehicle with a sealed container to a three-vehicle A licence.

The additional vehicle was required to cope with new traffic between Dufftown and Paisley and Girvan. The carriage of casks and cases in this "travelling bond" was a great saver of customs office time and it was a growing practice, it was said.

The applicant, who was represented by • Mr. W. D. Connaehie, admitted that he had been carrying whisky for two years in the belief that whisky was in some ways a food since it was taken as a form of sustenance. If not, it must be an agricultural product, through its ingredients.

Mr. Wells said: "I think it is 'pushing it' a great deal to call whisky a food—but 1 suppose it is for some people." Asked by Mr. Connachie what whisky consisted of, Mr. A. B. Murray, distilleries manager for William Grant and Sons, Dufftown, replied: "A lot of water."

Mr. Wells asked Mr. Murray if whisky was a food or an agricultural product and Mr. Affray replied: I would say both."

Mr. Wells rejoined: " If you said 1 want some food' would you be surprised if someone gave you whisky?" Mr. Murray said he would be surprised and then said he thought whisky was an agricultural product, because of its ingredients.

Granting the application, Mr. Wells said he was satisfied there was a case for an additional vehicle but he recommended the applicant to submit an application for an amended normal user at an early date.