Trade urges government caution on Scotland alcohol pledges

New government initiatives aimed at tackling alcohol misuse in Scotland should not be fully installed until the 2009 Licensing Act has come in, says the Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SPBA).

As part of their 2007 manifesto, the Scottish Executive pledged to "encourage licensing boards and licensees to negotiate voluntary agreements to limit discounted prices" and passed legislation to tackle "irresponsible promotions that encourage binge drinking".

The Executive also agreed to introduce test purchasing of alcohol across Scotland, and said they will work in partnership with UK and European governments "to push to for the number of alcohol units to be printed on drinks packaging".

Patrick Browne, chief executive of SBPA, said that the industry "remains committed to working in partnership with whichever parties form the next Scottish Executive after the 3rd May in tackling the problems caused by the abuse of alcohol."

However, he added: "It is clear that is against current licensing and competition law, and the new Licensing (Scotland) Act that will be introduced in late 2009, to try and control prices, even on a so called "voluntary" basis.

"The new Licensing Act in Scotland will restrict promotions that can be operated and we should see what impact that legislation has in practice before we talk about going further than that, especially where some of what is being suggested is outwith the law."

As well as the other pledges, the manifesto also outlined a continuation of advertising campaigns to raise awareness of the dangers of irresponsible drinking, and also vowed to ensure shops selling alcohol to underage children will have their licenses suspended.