Scots cheap booze ban challenge
Action to ban cheap supermarket booze in Scotland faces a challenge from Whitehall.
That is the news reported by Scotland on Sunday.
Last month, Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill announced the crackdown as part of tough new measures to tackle Scotland's "destructive drinking culture".
Retailers need to stop hiding behind legal arguments and recognise that low cost has a high priceKenny MacAskillJustice secretary
MacAskill outlined plans to extend the new Licensing Act to crackdown on irresponsible promotions and pricing in off-sales.
"These measures, will outlaw promotions that provide alcohol for free or at a reduced price on the purchase of one or more of the product or another product," he said at the time.
However, the Scottish paper claims that a "powerful coalition of drinks retailers has approached Labour ministers protesting that the Scottish Government's plans step outside Holyrood's remit".
The group believes the plan contravenes competition laws.
The Wine and Spirit Trading Association (WSTA), representing supermarkets, off-licences and drink suppliers, has written to the Government.
It fears the plans would leave Scottish stores at a serious disadvantage and that online stores in England will offer bulk-buy deals to Scottish consumers.
"We're not going over anyone's heads here, but we are asking the department to look at this," WSTA chief executive Jeremy Beadles told the paper.
"This will create two different marketplaces in the UK, and under European law, the UK is one market.
"Retailers operating north and south of the Border will have to develop different marketing and advertising campaigns, and possibly different bar codes and systems."
MacAskill replied: "Retailers need to stop hiding behind legal arguments and recognise that low cost has a high price.
"I am determined to tackle Scotland's cultural problem with alcohol for the good of our communities, our economy and our health service."
