Scottish licensees back minimum pricing

Controversial proposals to introduce minimum pricing in Scotland have been welcomed by licensees north of the border.

Last week Scottish Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill told The Publican​ he was confident the plans, which also include banning under 21s from buying alcohol in shops, would get legal backing.

And licensees are showing support for the measures which would help tackle the problem of cheap supermarket booze.

James Hughes, licensee of the Utopia Bar, in Edinburgh, said minimum pricing was long overdue.

"The supermarkets are selling booze at a loss and we find people come into the pub smashed after pre-loading.

"If there is less of a gap in prices, people will be encouraged to drink in pubs where there is a controlled drinking environment."

Ronnie Anderson from the Three Judges in Glasgow added: "Normal pubs can't compete with the likes of Wetherspoons and the supermarkets."

Government proposals to ban cut price drink promotions also met with approval.

Jonathan Winks from Auld Hoose in Edinburgh said: "I think it is a shame that we need government legislation for this but some of these drink promotions are irresponsible and it sends out the wrong message."

However, there was mixed reaction to proposals to force pubs to offer a 125ml wine measure and 25ml sprit measure.

"I think bringing in 25ml for spirits is a good idea. If you have a 35ml measure and somebody asks for a double you could end up giving them a treble," said Jonathan.

But James said: "I think introducing smaller measures is going a bit overboard. It is another expense. And cutting out 50mls of wine is not going to stop people binge drinking."

The Publican ​is campaigning for a minimum price of 50p per unit of alcohol. For more information visit Make it the Minimum​ or sign our petition on the Downing Street website​