Trade joins Scottish Exec to curb misuse
Drinks producers have committed to piloting low-alcohol drinks in Scotland as part of a strategy to reduce alcohol misuse.
The "partnership agreement" with the Scottish Executive also calls for a "comprehensive server training programme in responsible drinking" before the Licensing (Scotland) Act goes live in 2009.
The agreement, which was signed by trade groups and major producers including Scottish & Newcastle UK and Diageo, says: "Where appropriate, individual companies will pilot low-alcohol alternatives in the Scottish market and use their joint creative energies to market the principle of consuming low-alcohol alternatives."
Drinks firms contacted by the MA were unable to comment on the prospect of rolling out more low-alcohol drinks into Scotland following the agreement.
Other commitments in the agreement include developing and promoting a common sensible-drinking message and guidelines for the promotion of alcohol via sponsorship. It also calls for a National Awareness Week and investigation of promotion of non-alcohol alternatives in the retail sector.
Wine & Spirit Trade Association chief executive, Jeremy Beadles said: "We are delighted to be a part of this historic partnership.
"Industry and the Executive share a common aim in reducing alcohol misuse and associated harm.
"This partnership agreement is about developing practical solutions to the real problems related to alcohol misuse in Scotland. By bringing together representatives from the Executive and industry, we can share best practice and develop new ideas."
Scottish test purchasing to be legal by may
Test purchasing will be legal in Scotland from 1 May - years earlier than originally expected.
Test-purchase schemes were made legal under the Licensing (Scotland) Act, but will not be implemented until 2009.
However, under the new agreement, stings will begin to operate in less than nine weeks.
Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA) chief executive Patrick Browne criticised the early introduction, saying there had been no discussions with the trade about
this move.
