Scottish Whiskey Association

Written by Lisa Navarro

On 28 November 2012 the UK’s Home Office launched a consultation regarding proposals to deliver the Government’s policies aimed at cutting alcohol fuelled crime and anti-social behaviour. Rather than focus on the irresponsible drinkers, however, the proposals are firmly targeted at how, when, and for what price alcohol can, and should be, sold.

In particular, the consultation seeks views on the following proposals:

  • a ban on multi-buy promotions (e.g. buy-one-get-one-free) in shops and off-licences;
  • a review of the mandatory licensing conditions, to ensure that they are sufficiently targeting problems such as irresponsible promotions in pubs and clubs;
  • health as a new alcohol licensing objective for cumulative impacts so that licensing authorities can consider alcohol-related health harms when managing the problems relating to the number of premises in their area;
  • cutting red tape for responsible businesses to reduce the burden of regulation while maintaining the integrity of the licensing system; and
  • minimum unit pricing, with a recommended minimum price of 45 pence per alcoholic unit.
    Continue Reading Price Fixing in the UK Booze Market — the Government’s Solution to Binge Drinking