Drinks law chaos grips Scottish stores

The alcohol retail sector in Scotland is in the middle of one of the most radical shake-ups in its history after new legislation came into force this week.

Such is the confusion surrounding the new laws, though, that many multi-national retailers have found themselves having to operate outside of the law to make up for the failings of local authorities.

Under the country’s new liquor laws, the purchasing of beers, wines and spirits is now illegal before 10am, while alcohol displays are no longer permitted in shop foyers or alongside food in supermarkets.

A number of regional licensing boards have even threatened to ban all discount promotions, such as three for two or three for £10 if they deem the offers to be “irresponsible” under the new laws which came into effect yesterday (1 September).

Another key requirement of the laws is that each individual premises has to apply for its own licence, leaving multiple retailers with work to do in order to ensure each of their stores is covered.

Yet when the laws came into effect yesterday, it emerged that at least four areas are without a licensing standards officer – a fundamental part of the legislation.

According to the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA), one major multiple retailer had to apply for more than 50 individual premises licences, yet received only six back – all of which then had to be sent back due to errors.

Tesco is believed to have only received licences for around a quarter of its Scottish stores, while First Quench Retailing, which owns Threshers, Wine Rack and Haddows, has applied for 189 premises licences but has only received 52 back so far.

If Licensing Standards Officers were to visit any store trading without a licence, the store could be immediately shut down.

The confusion has led to concerns than customers will be confused by the new rules.

Jeremy Beadles, chief executive of the WSTA, said: “It’s bound to take time for Scottish consumers to get used to the new rules on alcohol sales but it’s important they appreciate what stores can and can’t do.

“We hope that Scottish ministers, properly concerned to tackle those who are drinking excessively, will consider the impact of new rules on responsible consumers before ploughing ahead with yet more legislation on alcohol."

Alan Lodge, 02.09.2009