Scotland

Scottish Minimum Pricing Bill published today

Scottish Minimum Pricing Bill published today

By Adam Pescod

Minimum pricing on alcohol is unlikely to reduce alcohol misuse, is probably illegal and threatens one of Scotland’s key industries. That is the Scotch Whisky Association’s (SWA) view on the controversial policy set out in the Alcohol Bill, published...

Alcohol misuse falls in Scotland

Alcohol misuse falls in Scotland

By Michelle Perrett

The Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA) has welcomed figures published by the Scottish Government showing improvements in the levels of alcohol abuse and misuse.

Price of pint in Scotland could rise by 50p, warns SBPA

Price of pint in Scotland could rise by 50p, warns SBPA

By Adam Pescod

The price of a pint in Scotland could rise by fifty pence if the Scottish government pushes ahead with plans to introduce minimum unit pricing on alcohol, and takes over alcohol excise duties from Westminster.

Scots to forge ahead with minimum pricing plan

Scots to forge ahead with minimum pricing plan

By John harrington

The Scottish Government has confirmed that it will introduce a Bill to bring forward minimum pricing this autumn, although a unit price will not be included.

SBPA backs pubs on Challenge 25

SBPA backs pubs on Challenge 25

By Michelle Perrett

The Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA) has launched a new Challenge 25 initiative to ensure pubs comply with new proof-of-age regulations, which come into force next month.

Browne: against marking scheme

SBPA hits out at Dundee bottle scheme

By Michelle Perrett

The SBPA has called for the City of Dundee Licensing Board not to proceed a bottle marking scheme for licensed premises.

Biddy Mulligans in Edinburgh's Grassmarket

G1 to run four Festival sites

By John Harrington, M&C Report

Scottish pub operator G1 Group has announced a new venture with troubled bar and hotel company Festival Group, which entered into pre-pack...

Scots duty plan fails

Scots duty plan fails

By John Harrington, M&C Report

An attempt to give the Scottish Government power to set their own rates of alcohol duty has failed. An amendment to the Scotland Bill giving the...

Buck up Banks: MA campaign to get banks lending again

Banks slammed for strict pub loans criteria

By Gurjit Degun

Banks are being increasingly "pernickety" about lending to pubs, experts claim as figures released by the Bank of England show that Britain's top five banks fell short of their target to lend £19bn for the first three months of the year.

Scotland: SNP wants a minimum price on alcohol

BBPA warning on Scots tax plans

By John Harrington, M&C Report

BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds has urged the Scottish National Party to reconsider its policies towards alcohol tax.

Scotland: test arena for minimum pricing

SNP prepares for minimum pricing

By Michelle Perrett

A minimum pricing law could be introduced in Scotland as early as April next year, following the landslide victory of the Scottish National Party...

Blackpool Brannigans to be sold

RBS hit by £5m loans blow

By John Harrington, M&C Report

The Royal Bank of Scotland looks set to suffer a shortfall of more than £5m in respect of its loans to bar group Cougar Leisure.

Challenge 25: compulsory in Scotland from October

Mandatory Challenge 25 for Scots pubs

By Lesley Foottit

Making the Challenge 25 age check policy compulsory in pubs on Saturday 1 October could be "very problematic for pubs", says SBPA.

Burns Night: opportunity for pubs

A Sc-hot proposition: Burns Night at pubs

By Tony Halstead

Burns Night presents one of the few opportunities in January for licensees to entice people into the pub with a big event, says Tony Halstead — and...

Yellow Card: discount card schemes are legal under Licensing Act

Drinks discount cards legal in Scotland

By Ewan Turney

Drinks discount cards in Scotland are legal, a judge has ruled in a test case on irresponsible promotions in Scotland. Dundee's Sheriff Court ruled...

Magners Golden Draught: different taste profile

Exclusive: Magners launches its golden coldie

By Michelle Perrett

A new version of Magners, one which is designed to be served without ice, will be rolled out in England and Wales next year. Magners Golden Draught,...

Scotland: alcohol restrictions

MSPs reject pub promos ban but fears remain

By John Harrington

MSPs have rejected new restrictions on pub drinks promotions in Scotland but paved the way for the controversial social responsibility fee and...

Scotland: minimum pricing defeated...again

Scottish minimum pricing bid fails

By Michelle Perrett

Plans by the Scottish National Party to introduce a minimum 45p price per unit on alcohol has failed. It was voted down by 76 to 49 for the third...