Scotland: Minimum Pricing starts 1 May 2018

We have charted the progress of the Scottish Government’s plans for Minimum pricing for over five years, but the policy is now finally about to take effect.

The new policy will come into force on 1^st May 2018 and the Scottish Government has warned there will be no grace period give to retailers to ensure compliance.

The minimum rate of £0.50 per unit of alcohol will therefore take effect after midnight on Monday 30^th April 2018.

Retailers can search online for free access to calculators to ensure they meet the new threshold including this version from the wholesalers Bestways.

The Scottish Government will monitor the impact of their new policy and the rate may be subject to change in the future. Although the provisions are set to expire after 6 years, the Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (Scotland) Act 2012 does allow Ministers, after 5 years, to override this sunset clause.  Retailers will undoubtedly look for evidence of positive impact to justify the continuance of this policy.

The saga continues…..