Scotland crackdown

Minimum pricing, levy and age limit planned

Scotland's draconian alcohol crackdown "provides an agenda for action" for the rest of the UK.

That's according to All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group chairman John Grogan in response to the Scottish Government's consultation on alcohol misuse — the most far-reaching proposals on alcohol in recent UK history.

Minimum pricing and restricting off-sales to over-21s are proposed, alongside an alcohol disorder zones-style "social responsibility fee" for operators, alcohol-only checkouts at shops and the outlawing of deep-discounting.

Ads for drinks promotions outside pubs could also be banned — and pubs could be forced to offer wine in 125ml servings and spirits in 25ml measures. However, it's clear that the off-trade is the main target of the proposals.

A Home Office spokeswoman said there were "no plans at the moment" to push for similar action south of the border. "We want the law as it stands to be properly enforced," she said.

However, Grogan said: "I think the impact of this on alcohol policy will be felt other than just in Scotland.

"It provides an agenda for action, perhaps the most comprehensive agenda that's been articulated in the UK.

"It would be up to both the trade and the UK Government to say that if they're not going to support these measures, why not — particularly on pricing, where there will be a lot of pressure for the Government to act. I can't see how you can have minimum pricing in one part of the UK and not others."

Scottish Government Justice Minister Kenny McAskill told the MA: "I've no doubt that our counterparts south of the border will be looking at what we are doing." He said the plans "can kick start the long term cultural shift in our society that we need".

Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations chief executive Tony Payne backed calls for minimum pricing, but criticised plans to raise the alcohol-buying age in shops.

"If someone can be in the army at 18, but can't buy a beer, it seems daft. What happens if an 18-year-old drinks in a pub and wants to take bottles home with him?"

The consultation ends on 9 September. The Scottish Government wants the plans to come into effect in September 2009 with the introduction of the country's new Licensing Act.

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