Confusion over Scots U-21 pub ban
Doubts have been raised about whether a proposed move to force licensing chiefs to consider bans on alcohol sales to under-21s in Scotland will apply to pubs.
The summary of Scotland's new Alcohol Bill, published today, says one measure in the Bill will be "Placing a duty on Licensing Boards to consider raising the purchase age of alcohol to 21 in all or part of their area".
However, Scottish Beer and Pub Association chief executive Patrick Browne told the MA his sources in the Scottish Government said the intention is for restrictions to apply to the off-trade only.
The MA has asked the Scottish Government for clarification but has yet to receive a response.
It comes almost a year after MSPs voted against plans to raise the minimum age for buying alcohol in shops to 21.
Other proposals in the Bill's summary are:
• Minimum pricing to reduce alcohol consumption and harm and to stop high-strength alcohol being sold at 'pocket money prices'
• Further bans on irresponsible promotions and restricting marketing activity in off-sales locations such as supermarkets
• Ensuring smaller measures of wine are made available in on-sales
• Establishing the power to introduce a Social Responsibility Fee for some retailers
First Minister Alex Salmond said the Scottish Government would "reflect" on the results of an alcohol consultation, which ends this month, "and use this Bill to bring effect those proposals which require primary legislation".
The Scotch Whisky Association hit out at plans for minimum pricing.
A spokesman said: "We support a firm line on alcohol misuse but Government claims that minimum prices will not damage Scotch are wrong and worryingly blind to the long-term harmful consequences for Scotch Whisky sales globally.
"Minimum prices will hurt Scottish distillers at home and overseas. Government figures show little evidence that this measure will tackle alcohol misuse, begging the question how high the price of alcohol will have to be increased by Government, and penalising the majority in order to discourage the minority that drink excessively.
"To introduce a minimum price trade barrier requires Scotland to opt-out of international trade rules. Such an exemption can only be justified in very limited circumstances and no Government has advanced such a claim, even in relation to tobacco. The negative message the Scottish Government is sending out about Scotch is deeply concerning.
"If successfully introduced, the Scottish Government will give the green light to countries, already keen to protect local markets, to introduce spurious health-based trade barriers against Scotch, damaging exports and the wider economy.
"Our frustration is heightened because we welcome the vast majority of the alcohol strategy and believe it could have sent out a more positive message internationally if taken forward in partnership."
