Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Soapbox: Time to look beyond duty easement

Published: 18 December, 2024

Barring a near-miracle, it is now highly unlikely that the current UK government will make permanent the temporary duty easement that is ending this coming 1 February. Speaking with Andrew Catchpole for the first of a two-part Soapbox, Miles Beale of the Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) – who campaigned tirelessly on that matter and helped galvanise the trade – says it’s time to learn the lessons from this “incredibly disappointing” outcome and look ahead to the key bumps coming down the road in 2025. The trade can, he argues, force through more positive and desirable outcomes in the near future, if it pulls together in a similarly galvanised way.

30% MUP rise in Scotland throws up challenges for retailers

Published: 03 October, 2024

The overall efficacy and knock-on effect to businesses from minimum unit pricing (MUP) is in the crosshairs once again following the news that the floor price for alcohol will rise from 50p per unit to 65p in Scotland, further adding cost and margin pressures for retailers.

Scotland's alcohol policy fails as death toll rises

Published: 13 September, 2024

In recent years, Scotland has faced a worsening crisis of alcohol-related harm, as the number of deaths linked to alcohol consumption has surged. Despite being the first country in the world to introduce a Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) policy in 2018, the strategy has not achieved the expected results. Coupled with the Scottish government’s controversial plans to ban alcohol advertising, these initiatives have sparked a heated debate on the effectiveness of policy-driven approaches to reducing alcohol abuse.

Shift in drinking trends emerges amid record alcohol-related deaths in UK

Published: 23 April, 2024

Alcohol-related deaths in the UK hit a record high in 2022, with nearly 2,500 more fatalities compared to 2019, according to official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Trade divided on MUP increase

Published: 09 February, 2024

The minimum unit price (MUP) for alcohol in Scotland will rise from 50p to 65p, Holyrood has announced.

Trade Associations unite against alcohol ad ban

Published: 21 February, 2023

The UK’s trade associations, representing the alcohol and retail sectors, have joined forces to oppose the Scottish government’s proposals for a ban on alcohol advertising and promotion.

Scotland’s tidal wave of challenges

Published: 10 February, 2023

From the Deposit Return Scheme to a new consultation paper on restricting alcohol advertising, the Scottish drinks industry faces a barrage of problems. James Bayley reports.

Calls for Northern Ireland MUP to create a ‘level playing field’

Published: 16 August, 2022

Northern Ireland appears to be inching closer to the introduction of minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol after neighbours Republic of Ireland and Scotland introduced the legislation in January 2022 and May 2018, respectively.

Scotland’s minimum unit alcohol pricing may not be curbing drinking in those most vulnerable

Published: 19 July, 2022

The introduction of minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol may not be curbing drinking habits of those most at risk, according to a new report.

Scottish MUP policy curbs drinking, study shows

Published: 26 September, 2019

Minimum unit pricing (MUP) in Scotland has reduced alcohol consumption in some households, a study published in the British Medical Journal has found.

Scotland sets date for minimum unit pricing

Published: 22 November, 2017

Scotland intends to introduce a minimum unit price (MUP) for alcohol on 1 May 2018 at 50p per unit.

Supreme Court clears path for 50p-per-unit minimum pricing in Scotland

Published: 15 November, 2017

Scotland is set to become the first country to introduce minimum unit pricing (MUP) on alcohol after the UK Supreme Court rejected a challenge by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).