At last! A debate!  Check out the following link about the  proposed changes by the SWA.

Interestingly, if you follow the exchanges down, it shows the typical way the SWA work when faced with criticism, and the consequent alteration of opinions:

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=7425231196&topic=4218

Incidentally, SWA membership is 54 companies (though if you take out  inter-connected companies it is 35) primarily distillery owners. 106 whisky companies have  (allegedly) been consulted, including whisky specialists, retailers and independent bottlers.

So the SWA represents roughly only 33% of the whisky industry, though 95% of distilling capacity and the predominance of turnover. That is very important when it comes to changing the rules that govern how whisky is sold.