jrobertson
18-08-09, 10:50 AM
edinburghnews.scotsman.com - Edinburgh Evening News - 18-Aug-09
Capital set for ban on cheap booze (http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/topstories/Capital-set-for-ban-on.5562723.jp)
CITY licensing chiefs sparked anger today amid claims they are set to make Edinburgh the first place in the UK to outlaw cheap alcohol promotions at shops and supermarkets.
The move would mean a ban on "buy one, get one free" or "three for two" deals at off-licences in the Capital.
Retail bosses have branded the use of licensing laws aimed at pubs and nightclubs to crackdown on in-store special offers as "wrong and unfair".
City council chiefs said they had not made a decision, but added that parts of the new licensing laws coming into effect next month "apply to both on and off sales trade".
The legislation places conditions on bars, pubs and nightclubs to curb promotions and happy hours, but controls on off-sales promotions are due to be considered as part of a new Alcohol Bill proposed by the Scottish Government. Critics have called Edinburgh's interpretation of the new regulations as "making up law on the hoof" using powers intended to stop pubs and clubs giving away free drinks.
Read more (http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/topstories/Capital-set-for-ban-on.5562723.jp)
Capital set for ban on cheap booze (http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/topstories/Capital-set-for-ban-on.5562723.jp)
CITY licensing chiefs sparked anger today amid claims they are set to make Edinburgh the first place in the UK to outlaw cheap alcohol promotions at shops and supermarkets.
The move would mean a ban on "buy one, get one free" or "three for two" deals at off-licences in the Capital.
Retail bosses have branded the use of licensing laws aimed at pubs and nightclubs to crackdown on in-store special offers as "wrong and unfair".
City council chiefs said they had not made a decision, but added that parts of the new licensing laws coming into effect next month "apply to both on and off sales trade".
The legislation places conditions on bars, pubs and nightclubs to curb promotions and happy hours, but controls on off-sales promotions are due to be considered as part of a new Alcohol Bill proposed by the Scottish Government. Critics have called Edinburgh's interpretation of the new regulations as "making up law on the hoof" using powers intended to stop pubs and clubs giving away free drinks.
Read more (http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/topstories/Capital-set-for-ban-on.5562723.jp)