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SGF Respond to Scottish Government’s Consultation on a Proposed Strategy to Tackle Alcohol Misuse
4 September 2008
SGF (Scottish Grocers’ Federation) has warned the Scottish Government a “one size fits all” approach to tackling alcohol misuse is unlikely to solve the problem. The focus instead should be on specific actions and interventions which tackle binge drinkers, underage drinkers and chronic drinkers together with improved education and early intervention to prevent alcohol harm. The comments were made in response to the Scottish Government’s proposed strategy to tackle alcohol misuse.
John Drummond, SGF Chief Executive said:
“We are all aware that Scotland has a complex relationship with alcohol which must change. We are committed to working with the Scottish Government to achieve this, however, despite no compelling evidence the Government proposes to adopt a whole population approach to alcohol reduction which will penalise the majority of adults who drink responsibly whilst having little effect on problem drinkers.
“The Government is considering a sweeping intervention into the market place. We are concerned at the potential costs of these measures for small community retailers and fear that it will place even greater pressure on our members, already struggling with increased licence fees.
“SGF members are responsible retailers who are committed to changing the drinking culture in Scotland by running responsible businesses. Many operate initiatives including “Challenge 21” and “Challenge 25”, on-going staff training and refusal registers. Rather than punishing business, SGF would urge the Government to support and encourage licensees to focus on measures which continue to drive up standards and make a difference.”
Key details from the SGF response include:
Promotions – SGF is opposed to below cost selling. However, promotions benefit the vast majority of responsible adult consumers that buy alcohol in Scotland. It is particularly harsh of the Government to penalise those who drink responsibly at a time when there is increased pressure on household budgets.
Minimum Pricing – This proposal challenges the concept of a free market place of which competitive pricing is the keystone. There is no conclusive link between price, promotions and consumption in problem groups. Price rises will affect those with either higher financial commitments like young families or lower incomes like older people more acutely. These are not the problem groups.
Banning Off-Sales to Under 21’s – This proposal would establish ridiculous anomalies. SGF is not aware of any evidence which suggests anti social behaviour is solely or even in the minority of cases as a direct result of convenience stores selling alcohol. It sends out a message to a young person that while they can be trusted to be a personal licence holder in a convenience store, authorising alcohol sales, checking proof of age and training colleagues in responsible retailing, they cannot be trusted to purchase alcohol to consume at home. Proper enforcement of current legislation and use of a nationally accepted proof of age card would address the issue of underage drinking and proxy purchasing.
Social Responsibility Fee – This proposal is punitive and indiscriminate and would wrongly single out thousands of small retailers as being responsible for alcohol related harm. Responsible consumption of alcohol rests with the consumer who must acknowledge the need for personal responsibility.
Separate Alcohol Checkouts – SGF does not believe that alcohol should be subject to a separate checkout procedure in retail stores. As well as this being impractical, there would be disproportionate cost implications for small stores if they were required to accommodate separate checkouts for alcohol.
SGF Welcomes return of “Fit and Proper Person” Test
3 September 2008
SGF (Scottish Grocers’ Federation) has welcomed the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Kenny MacAskill MSP announcement, made at the Alcohol Focus Scotland Conference, re-introducing the “fit and proper person” test – which gives police the power to comment on potential licensees.
John Drummond, SGF Chief Executive, said:
“SGF did not support the removal of this test. We are therefore delighted Kenny MacAskill MSP has listened to police officers and re-instated the test.
“Alcohol in the hands of the wrong person can be a dangerous product. It is important that the police have the ability to comment and share information on an individual who they believe would not be an appropriate person to hold a licence.
“Selling alcohol brings with it considerable responsibility. SGF promotes responsible community retailing and our members focus on practical measures including “Challenge 21” and “Challenge 25”, staff training and refusal registers to ensure alcohol is sold responsibly.
“Our members will continue to drive up standards but recognise part of the package must include responsible licensees.”
Scottish Grocers Federation