WSTA attacks Scottish government alcohol bill

Published: 26 November, 2009

The Scottish government stands accused today of punishing Scottish consumers and businesses with its proposed Alcohol Bill published today, whilst doing little to tackle the root causes of alcohol misuse.

The Wine & Spirit Trade Association has attacked the bill which it claims gives Scottish ministers sweeping powers to impose minimum pricing without actually stating what that minimum price could be.

The WSTA said the bill could ban all alcohol promotions in shops in Scotland.
It also proposes a new tax on local business with plans for a so-called social responsibility levy on alcohol retailers, yet doesn't set a level or explain how it might work.

The WSTA accuses ministers of ignoring the view of the Scottish Parliament by proceeding with plans to allow under 21's to be banned from buying alcohol in shops

Jeremy Beadles, chief executive of the WSTA, said: "The stance by Opposition parties against minimum pricing is to be welcomed but this legislation contains other measures which are equally unwelcome and equally unlikely to address the root causes of alcohol misuse.

"Despite the fact that the government's own figures show overall alcohol consumption in Scotland is falling, ministers seem determined to pursue proposals which will hit innocent Scottish consumers and businesses.

"Scotland deserves better than a piece of legislation which fails to focus on the real issue.

We wish to work with the Scottish government and other stakeholders to develop policies that address the problem of alcohol misuse, including rigorous enforcement of existing legislation, systematic education in schools and widespread introduction of Community Alcohol Partnerships proven to deliver results."

John Drummond, chief executive of the Scottish Grocers Federation added: "This Bill would give the Scottish Government sweeping powers to impose legislation with little detail. SGF is concerned the lack of detail in the Bill will prohibit the Scottish Parliament from properly scrutinising measures which will have a huge impact on the trade and consumers."

On the issue of promotions he said: "It is the supermarkets who have been accused of running irresponsible promotions yet measures to prohibit alcohol marketing will play into the hands of the multiples and work against small retailers who cannot afford national newspaper, radio and TV advertising and rely on low cost options including window bills and flyers to advertise their promotions."

"Promotions benefit the vast majority of responsible adult consumers that buy alcohol in Scotland. It is particularly harsh of the Government to penalise those who drink responsibly at a time when there is increased pressure on household budgets."

Drummond added: "If the Scottish Government is really serious about addressing Scotland's relationship with alcohol they should enforce the existing legislation properly, develop specific interventions to target problem drinkers and start to address the underlying cultural issues which cause Scots to abuse alcohol through improved education."

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