ACS

The Scottish Government has faced heavy criticism from opposition MSPs following the publication of the Alcohol etc (Scotland) Bill yesterday. The leaders of other main parties have suggested that they will not support minimum pricing measures on alcohol, which could lead to the proposal being blocked.

Leading figures in Scottish Labour, Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have suggested that they will not support the measure for a number of reasons, ranging from its possible illegality to it not being a targeted solution to help the most vulnerable.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) Chief Executive James said: “"The Scottish Government simply haven’t established the evidence that minimum pricing will reduce alcohol harm, and the other measures in the Bill are also extremely damaging for local shops. Banning many of the alcohol promotions in Scottish convenience stores will undermine local shops’ ability to compete with larger retailers, who without minimum pricing legislation will be able to continue to sell alcohol at the lowest prices. We are working closely with the Scottish Grocers Federation to oppose these restrictions."

There will now be an opportunity to submit evidence to the Bill committee before 20 January. ACS will be actively supporting the Scottish Grocers Federation with their submission in the coming weeks.