New licensing laws came into force on 1st October 2011 for Scotland, including a mandatory challenge 25 scheme and a ban on irresponsible promotions. The changes are part of the Alcohol etc Scotland Act 2010 and are expected to be followed by plans for a minimum price.
However the changes have been attracting media attention as some retailers could change offers to apply to single drinks - for instance instead of three bottles of wine for £10 retailers may sell one bottle for £3.33. Tesco have reportedly advised Scottish customers that they can still benefit from cut-price deals if they shop online as it will be transported from England.
The Scottish Health Secretary, Nicola Sturgeon, expressed disappointment that some retailers would not be respecting the spirit of the law, but emphaised future plans for a minimum price. In the meantime, she believed the measures would still have some effect, stating: "...if somebody is going to buy one bottle of wine, as they intended to do when they went into the supermarket, instead of three bottles, that they are tempted to buy because it is on offer, then that is helping us reduce alcohol over-consumption."
The changes also pave the way for a social responsibilty levy, which aims to ensure retailers and licensed premises contribute to the wider cost of their activities on the community. Restrictions on the location of drinks promotions are also set out, and the Challenge 25 scheme means all licensed premises must have an age verification policy in place, including anyone appearing under the age of 25 being required to prove their age.
In England, a mandatory code was introduced last year to ban certain irresponsible promotions, such as banning ''all you can drink" deals. A new licensing amendment also came into force this month, allowing premises to now sell 'two-third' pint sizes, known as a 'schooner'. Some have suggested it may encourage responsible drinking, though bodies such as CAMRA have criticised it as unnecessary. Heineken have produced 500,000 branded schooner glasses for pubs across the country.
Comments