Aberdeen bid to raise drink prices foiled

A Scottish law lord has declared that Aberdeen city licensing board had no right to impose minimum pricing on pubs and bars in the area, because it is "unlawful".

Lord Mackay of Drumadoon's decision last Friday (5 November) means Aberdeen City Council must now reverse its September decision, which prevented the on-trade from selling pints for less than £1.75.

Spirit Group and Mitchells & Butlers, who brought the action against the council, said in a joint statement: "We do not believe competitive pricing encourages irresponsible drinking, provided it is delivered by means of responsible promotions."

The British Beer & Pub Association agreed: "We do not believe that price is the only reason people go to pubs, and if you start stipulating minimum prices you won't address the supermarket or off-licence issue and the extremely cheap alcohol they sell. We want to see polices that deliver - there's no point in chucking money at something that doesn't work."

However, the Home Office remained unconvinced and confirmed it was in talks with the Office of Fair Trading about the legality of minimum pricing.

Its statement said: "Anecdotal evidence from police and common sense suggests that drinks promotions can encourage speed drinking and/or a high consumption of alcohol in a short period of time, and that this can lead to more aggression."

Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 11 November 2004