2008 No. 3206

Made15th December 2008

Laid before Parliament18th December 2008

Coming into force16th January 2009

These Regulations are made in exercise of the powers conferred by section 2(2) of, and paragraph 1A of Schedule 2 to, the European Communities Act 19721.

The Secretary of State2 is a Minister designated3 for the purposes of section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972 in relation to measures relating to the description of, and other requirements relating to, spirit drinks.

These Regulations make provision for a purpose mentioned in section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972, and it appears to the Secretary of State that it is expedient for the reference to Regulation (EC) No 110/20084 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the definition, description, presentation, labelling and the protection of geographical indications of spirit drinks and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 1576/89 to be construed as a reference to that Regulation as amended from time to time.

There has been open and transparent public consultation during the preparation of these Regulations as required by Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 178/20025 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety.