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Alcohol display regulations
18/05/2009
Visitor attractions such as distilleries and breweries will be exempt from regulations that would have introduced restrictions on how they could display alcohol.
While visiting the Scottish Liqueur Centre, the Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said he had laid regulations to exempt distillery visitor centres and premises that promote the history and unique qualities of Scottish drinks from the regulations.
The move is recognition that the regulations - intended to stop off-sales displaying alcohol at multiple points in the store to encourage impulse buying - would have a detrimental effect on the visitor experience at Scotland's distilleries.
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said:
"This Government is proud of Scotland's fine whiskies and innovative products like the Columba Cream that's produced at the Scottish Liqueur Centre.
"In this year of Homecoming, and in whisky month in particular, we know people from across the globe are coming to Scotland. Many of them are sure to enjoy a dram of whisky and that's one of the reasons we appreciate the industry.
"We are not anti-alcohol, but Scotland has got its relationship with the bottle out of kilter. It's not the drink, it's how we're drinking - we need to get things back in balance.
"Our regulations to prevent alcohol being displayed in more than one area of a shop, were designed to prevent alcohol being displayed all over the store to encourage impulse buying.
Clearly, alcohol sold at attractions to promote and increase understanding of the skill that goes into producing fine premium drinks such as malt whiskies doesn't fall into this category.
"During my recent visit to the Fettercairn Distillery and again today at the Scottish Liqueur Centre, I've seen the fantastic job these attractions do. They are boosting tourism, contributing to Homecoming, providing jobs to local communities and producing drinks that are recognised the world over - they are something we should be proud of.
"That is why, when these unintended consequences were drawn to our attention, I was more than happy to look at the situation. I am now laying regulations in Parliament that mean these attractions can make sure their gift shops are able to continue to trade in a way which compliments the rest of the experience."
Kenny Mackay, Managing Director of the Scottish Liqueur Centre said:
"This is great news for brands like Columba Cream and the whole of the Scottish Drinks Industry. It is especially relevant here in Perthshire where so many of the top Scotch Whisky visitor centres are based.
"We can continue to greet our customers in the traditional way in a welcoming environment. I must say, I am impressed by the way the Scottish Government have addressed this issue.
"It's refreshing to be able to engage with Ministers and lawmakers alike and see such a speedy and sensible outcome"
Campbell Evans, Government & Consumer Affairs Director at The Scotch Whisky Association, said:
"Distilleries attract visitors from around the world and offer a high quality tourist experience. We have worked closely with the Government to agree a pragmatic and workable solution so that visitor centres can continue to showcase Scotch Whisky and a wide range of other local products.
"The revised regulations are a recognition that it is possible to tackle alcohol misuse, whilst avoiding unintended negative consequences for a key Scottish industry."
The regulations have been laid in parliament today. The seek to amend the Separate Display Areas regulations which were laid under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, and come into force on September 1, 2009.