Drink driving law hits 75% of Scottish pubs

Results show that 84% of BII Scotland members agree with the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, who believes that the laws could have a greater effect on licensed retail trade businesses than the smoking ban.

Chairman Stephen McGowan said: “This snap study of our members shows a drastic effect on the pub trade with 75% of respondents adversely affected by the new laws and just under half of all businesses surveyed saying staffing levels have had to be reduced.”

Last month research from purchasing firm Beacon found the rules have resulted in new trends such as the introduction of smaller glass sizes, earlier lunches and increased interest in mocktails and other non-alcoholic drink alternatives.

Range​

More than half (58%) of respondents to the BII survey have increased their range of low alcohol drinks and hot beverages to compensate for the changes as well as providing greater customer information on public transport.

McGowan said: “The trade will work hard to adapt as it did following the smoking ban, with many hard working publicans introducing steps such as a greater range of lower ABV products and smaller glass sizes.

"But as our survey shows, responsible drinking habits such as a pint after work or a glass of wine with Sunday lunch have been taken out of the equation for many, it means an even greater hardship for traders who lose not just the drink but the meal or other discretionary spend that may have gone with it.”