A lack of uniformity in the interpretation and enforcement of Scotland's plans to halt "irresponsible drinks promotions" in off-sales and supermarkets could spark a wave of "booze cruises" across the country, trade leaders and retailers are warning.
A lack of uniformity in the interpretation and enforcement of Scotland's plans to halt "irresponsible drinks promotions" in off-sales and supermarkets could spark a wave of "booze cruises" across the country, trade leaders and retailers are warning.
The potential anomaly has emerged after the licensing board in South Ayrshire became the first in the country to unveil its raft of proposals on how it would clamp down on cheap off-sales alcohol, including a ban on multi-buy discounts and the use of alcohol as a loss leader, as well as the sale of drink at less than a duty-free cost.
In the past week it has met representatives of Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Marks & Spencer and Thresher, as well as trade organisations, to signal what it is proposing come next September when the law will allow it to clampdown on promotions.
But the authority admits that, even with legislative weight behind it, with power being devolved to licensing boards to interpret and roll out the laws locally, it will need the support of councils in East and North Ayrshire to succeed.
Differences could see shoppers simply head from Ayr to towns in neighbouring authorities such as Irvine or Kilmarnock to bulk-buy cheap drink, with the potential for the scenario, mirroring the "booze cruisers" from south-east England to France and Belgium, being replicated across Scotland.
Government sources have said the issue has long been discussed between it and stakeholders, but is confident it can set a template which should iron out localised loopholes.
But trade leaders have said hopping across local authority boundaries for cheap drink was a very real prospect.
A spokesman for the Scottish Licensed Trade Association said: "South Ayrshire is only doing what it believes is good for its area, but this should be coming from the top down because one policy differing from another could lead to migrations of customers from one area to another. If one area is lax, they'll get the custom.
"We've said this could also apply to other issues, such as the over-21 policy being mooted."
One senior source at a major UK retailer said the legislation was riddled with unintended consequences, with a patchwork of policies being created in often tightly packed areas.
The source added: "There's a very real potential of living in one area but walking to another with different policies."
Last night Douglas Campbell, chairman of the South Ayrshire Board said his authority had to make a stand and was now embarking on discussions with other neighbouring boards on his plans, as well as Scottish ministers to see if a national definition of irresponsible promotions was forthcoming.
He said: "We're advising off-sales and retailers in the area of what promotions are and what we intend to do come September. If people are simply buying day to day differing policies may not be so relevant, but they have the option of getting in their cars.
"We've asked our officers to begin discussions with other licensing boards on the issue. We have good relations with both East and North Ayrshire and hope to persuade them of our approach and it would certainly be easier if it was Scotland-wide."
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "We are showing national leadership with our bold proposals, including minimum pricing and a ban on irresponsible promotions, to tackle alcohol misuse. We welcome South Ayrshire's recognition that irresponsible promotions have a negative impact on communities. We've already consulted on measures to further ban irresponsible promotions nationally and will be announcing our way forward early in the New Year."
