大象传媒

The availability of hand sanitisers has dramatically reduced across the UK during the coronavirus pandemic, but a Dorset gin distillery has offered a temporary solution.

Rupert Holloway, founder and owner of Conker Gin told 大象传媒 Radio Solent: "Half of our business goes into the independent trade, who currently have massively reduced footfall and may be forced to close. It made us think how it would affect us and this is something positive we can contribute".

Hand sanitiser is a simple product of alcohol, water and a thickening agent. The gel that Conker Gin has produced is made from the heads of spirit - the waste product - which the Company says does not require duty to be paid, so it is being given away for free.

Mr Holloway said: "We have had GP practices begging for it. It's a significant and important need."

The firm is in contact with HMRC about removing the spirits' duty on the home made sanitiser. "On any spirit duty is paid, which would be about 拢18 in duty, per bottle, which would make it very expensive.The gel that we have produced now is made from the heads of spirit - the waste product - which does not require duty to be paid, so we can give it away for free. But we are hoping to make it out of the raw materials not the waste."

HMRC has said it is prioritising applications for new authorisations where businesses can diversify into the manufacturer of hand sanitisers quickly. Mr Holloway told 大象传媒 Radio Solent: "It's tricky ground but we are giving it away and not profiting. Over the next week or so, when get nod, we will be selling it at cost. It's a bit of a no-brainer. It wouldn't be responsible of us not to do it."

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