Changes to sale and promotion of alcohol from 1st October

25th September 2011

From 1st October 2011 consumers in Scotland face fresh restrictions on how they can buy alcohol and the way in which promotions are advertised. The new rules are the result of changes introduced by the Alcohol (Scotland) Act 2010.

The new rules will effectively ban discount multi-buy offers so no more:

Buy one get one free
3 for 2
5 for 4 or cheapest free
3 bottles for £10
Buy 6, get 20% off

Instead, if a shop sells one can/bottle at £1, a 4 pack must be priced at £4

*In stores where products are not stocked individually, cases of wine and multipacks of beer/ cider etc will be available at prices set by the retailer*

Promotions about alcohol will not be permitted outside the alcohol section, so shoppers wanting to know what is on offer will have to visit the beers, wines and spirits aisle.

WSTA Chief Executive Jeremy Beadles said: "Our members are working hard to ensure that in-store and brand promotions in Scotland comply with the new restrictions. We fear that consumers are unaware of the changes and will be surprised to find that many of the offers they take for granted in store will no longer be available from 1st October."