The Scottish Government has set out its 2011-2012 programme, including a bill to introduce minimum pricing as a condition of licences granted under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 - see reports from the Financial Times and Scotsman. The Scottish National Party (SNP) now have a significant majority which may turn the tables after their previous attempt at a 45 pence minimum price was blocked by opposition parties. However industry bodies are expected to oppose the move by referring it to the EU courts as a breach of competition law.
Challenge 25 becomes a mandatory condition for all of Scotland’s licensed premises on 1 October 2011 under the terms of the 2010 Alcohol Bill. The Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA) has launched a new Challenge 25 initiative to ensure pubs comply with new proof-of-age regulations coming into force next month.
However part of the Alcohol Bill may backfire on restricting off-sale promotions until minimum pricing is introduced. According to the Daily Express, rules to restrict irresponsible promotions may see premises lowering some prices as a result of changing multi-buy offers to apply to single drinks. Majestic Wines chief executive Steve Lewis stated: “To ensure we still offer the best prices we are converting our multi-buy prices to single bottle prices.” > > > > Read More
