Scottish Labour calls for UK ban on below cost sales

Published: 31 August, 2010

The Scottish Alcohol Commission has called for a UK-wide ban on below-cost sales, restraints on alcohol advertising, and a social responsibility levy for retailers.

A report commissioned by the Scottish Labour party, also rejected minimum pricing and called for "cultural change" to tackle alcohol misuse north of the border.

Other proposals include:

a ban on below cost sales where cost is duty + VAT + production,

products of the same strength to be taxed at equal levels

a social responsibility levy

ban on irresponsible promotions

a ban on alcohol being served at public functions.

Professor Sally Brown, who chaired the commission, said: "It is essential that Scotland is very serious about resolving its alarming problems of alcohol misuse.

"We need a broad-based, coherent and effective strategy that recognises the complexities of the difficulties we face - there is no silver bullet that will provide a quick fix."

Alcohol advertising would be banned in stores except at the point of sale or display, and price-based ads would be banned in the media. Drinks firms would also be forbidden from sponsoring sporting events.

Reaction
Scotland's Shadow Health Secretary Jackie Baillie said: "If the SNP are serious about tackling Scotland's hard drinking culture then they should stop obsessing about minimum pricing, accept that the policy has been rejected and recognise the seriousness of this report."

But Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: "Labour's Alcohol Commission makes some constructive suggestions for debate, but ducks the central issue of tackling the cost of alcohol sold at pocket money prices in Scotland.

"In this vital area, it recommends passing the buck to Westminster."

Wine & Spirit Trade Association spokesman Gavin Partington called the Alcohol Commission's proposed ban on advertising "misguided". He said: "Such a move would threaten jobs and livelihoods across the media industry while doing nothing to tackle problem drinking."

Gavin Hewitt, Scotch Whisky Association chief executive, said: "Excise duty reform is long overdue. It could bring significant extra revenue for government and address concerns at low priced drinks on a UK-wide basis."

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