Frustration as minimum price plan hits 'end of the road'

Licensees have revealed their disappointment at plans for minimum pricing in Scotland appearing to hit a dead end.

The Scottish government has been attempting to introduce a unit price on alcohol as part of a range of measures to reduce problem drinking.

Many licensees believe a minimum price would help reduce the price gap between alcohol in supermarkets and pubs.

But those plans were dealt a potentially fatal blow when MSPs voted 54 to 49 in favour of removing the minimum price plan from the Alcohol Bill last week.

Liz Dand, owner of the Auld Hoose in Edinburgh, said: "The government said they wanted to stop irresponsible drinking and I think minimum pricing should be a part of that. Pubs have to price well above supermarkets because of fixed costs such as council tax and rates. I hope it's not the end."

Andy Little, manager at the Utopia in Edinburgh, added: "Pubs are careful with who they serve. I'm not saying we're perfect but we won't sell someone three cases of lager in one night the way the supermarkets will.

"Of course anti-social behaviour is an issue for pubs too but at least it's more regulated here than in the home."

But Janet Hood, head of BII Scotland, said competition with supermarkets can be overcome by pubs focusing on their own offer.

"Pubs should work on making sure that they are providing the best service they can to bring people into pubs," she said.

"If you have well-trained staff and good local knowledge, then you give people a reason to come to the pub."

Scottish health secretary Nicola Sturgeon has vowed to continue pushing for a minimum price but Scottish Tory health spokesman Mundo Fraser said the vote signalled as "the end of the road for minimum pricing".

Meanwhile, support for minimum pricing has been gaining momentum south of the border with brewers including Greene King and Fuller's both making favourable noises