Scots off-trade included in 'polluter pays' scheme

Scotland's supermarkets and off-licences - as well as pubs - will be forced to pay a charge for tackling alcohol-related issues, under new government plans.

However the pub trade in Scotland remains firmly against the whole idea of the polluter pays principle.

Fears had been raised that the off-trade would be exempt from having to pay towards the scheme, which would effectively make the whole of Scotland an alcohol disorder zone (ADZ).

But Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill last week made it clear the measures would cover all premises.

"The 'polluter pays' principle should apply across the board," he said.

"More alcohol is now being sold in off-sales than through on sales. And the problems of binge-drinking are not restricted to city centres - they're being felt throughout Scotland and in every age group.

"Somebody has to meet the cost of these consequences. It would be manifestly wrong to impose a polluter pays levy only on pubs in city centres and not on supermarkets and off-licences in other towns and communities, if that's where we're also seeing problems."

The money raised would be used to deal with the consequences of alcohol-related problems, including "drunk tanks" - centres where people can sleep off the effects of alcohol overnight.

But the Scottish Licensed Trade Association is still opposed to the idea - despite the inclusion of the off-trade.

Chief executive Paul Waterson said: "It doesn't make it right. The whole principle itself is wrong. The polluter is the person who perpetrates trouble. There's provision in the Licensing Act to target irresponsible operators and it won't hamper the multi-million pound businesses, but the smaller operators will suffer."

The views mirror those of the trade in England where similar measures are due to be introduced in the form of ADZs. However, as it stands, the majority of off-trade premises will be exempt from having to contribute to the charges.