Scottish drinkers ‘will cross the border for cheaper alcohol’ when pricing law comes in

Drinkers may get around Scots minimum unit rule by hitting the web to buy cheap alcohol from south of the border

Source: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/

Mark Macaskill

April 22 2018

A new law that will drive up the cost of alcohol in Scotland to tackle the scourge of “cheap booze” could be undermined by a loophole that allows cut-price drinks to be bought from online retailers south of the border.

From May 1, no alcohol can be sold in Scottish shops or bars for less than 50p a unit – a move that will raise the price of the cheapest bottle of wine to £4.69. Strong cider will be hardest hit, with the price of a three-litre bottle rising from about £4 to £11.

It is hoped a minimum unit price will save thousands of lives threatened by cheap, high-strength drink. However, there is evidence Scots will be able to circumvent the law if they bulk-buy alcohol from internet retailers south of the border.

Ministers have said alcohol typically bought over the internet, such as wine and spirits, is unlikely to be affected by minimum pricing, but critics have warned it is likely to trigger an increase in internet sales of cider and cheap lager, which will be hit the hardest.

Last week, an online outlet was selling 24 cans (12 litres) of strong cider (8.4% ABV) for £33.94, including delivery to mainland Scotland. Under the new law, the same quantity of similar strength cider will cost about £50.

An online drinks retailer in Kent was offering 24 litres of Scrumpy Jack cider for £65, including delivery to Scotland – almost £7 cheaper than it will be to buy the same volume of similar strength cider when the new law comes in.

Guidance published by the Scottish government admits that some customers will find a way round paying the minimum unit price. Online and telephone sales, as well as “click and collect” purchases, will be exempt if the alcohol is despatched from outside Scotland.

The guidance reveals that cheap alcohol can still be offered in “meal deals”, as long as the total price, including food, exceeds the minimum unit price. Loyalty reward vouchers can continue to be offered to cut the cost of alcohol.

Critics of the new law warn that cross-border “booze runs” will be more frequent as Scots seek to stock up on cheap alcohol bought from northern England.

Dr Eric Carlin, from Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems, which represents the Medical Royal Colleges and was the first body in Scotland to call for a minimum price, does not expect a big shift towards online purchasing.

“We believe there is strong evidence that the benefits of the new law in terms of health gains are likely to far outweigh any potential difficulties,” said Carlin.

“A thorough evaluation of minimum unit pricing is to be undertaken after implementation. If there are unintended consequences, such as a substantial increase in online purchase of cheap alcohol, we would support a thorough review to find out what’s going on and to address this.”

Online retailers welcomed the move. “It will stop wine being sold below the £4.50 mark and might encourage people to trade up to better-quality wine,” said Pierre Mansour, from the Wine Society.

Last November, the UK Supreme Court ruled unanimously that minimum unit pricing is legal. The legislation has a sunset clause that requires the Scottish government to lay a report before parliament five years after implementation.

A Scottish government spokesman said: “Minimum unit pricing will save hundreds of lives and lead to thousands fewer alcohol-related hospital admissions in Scotland. The impact of it will be monitored as part of the wide-ranging independent evaluation programme, which includes research examining how alcohol is purchased and the economic effect on the industry.”