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.”
In England, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley praised the industry at the annual Wine and Spirits Trade Association (WTSA) conference this week, reports the Morning Advertiser (MA). Lansley praised progress made with 110 alcohol companies signed up to the Responsibility Deal, but called on others to join. Lansley reiterated that regulation should be a last resort and the Government would not be seeking a minimum price, but cited the below cost ban.
However medical experts have continued to speak out against the "obscenely low" price of alcohol, the Guardian reports. Doctors in the North East also wrote to express support for the recent private members Bill to restrict alcohol advertising to children and young people. Also in the news, more drinkers are turning away form the pub to cheaper supermarket drinks reports the Daily Mail, whilst middle class Britons drinking too much says the Daily Telegraph.
In other news, Heineken will launch a 'schooner' reports the MA and Telegraph - under new regulations coming into force on 1 October in England, pubs will be able to sell draught beer and cider in two-thirds glasses. 40 MPs will work bar shifts to learn more about the pressures facing the trade, whilst the Treasury says it will examine the case for a VAT cut for the hospitality sector.
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