News.Scotland.Org

November, 12

Now beer drinkers have to pay more in order to quench their thirst. With the increase in the prices of beer, now this refreshing drink would get bitter for these brewers. It is known that with the increase in the prices of raw material this sudden hike in beer rates has came into picture. The new hike in prices would come into effect from next year. The steep rise in the prices of malt, barley, glass and aluminium is the main cause for this sudden rise.

Another factor responsible is the heavy rains which destroyed the barley cultivation in Europe and affected the quality of the barley crop. While it was noticed that, drought in Australia havocked the barley cultivation, creating a decline in the quantity of raw material for the preparation of beer. This in turn made the cost of barely to rise in the market, with the increase in the prices of glass, fuel and aluminium adding to the woes.

This unpredicted price rise has made the farmers worried and forced them to plant corn to cope up with the rapid demand for biofuels. On the other hand market analyst said that this upward trend in the prices of beer will not bother much to the big suppliers and supermarkets, but the small players will have to bear tough times ahead. Nigel Pollard of Scottish and Newcastle said even brewers would face the brunt of price rise and it will be tough for them to sustain this spiraling cost. He also hinted that lot much is in the offing to march upwards along with beer rates. He said this price rise will effect the rates of other alcoholic beverages like cider and soft drinks too.

The beer manufacturers and traders are not left with any other option, and have to up the rates of bear. It is for sure that this new year beer fans have to get ready to pay more to relish this bubbly delight.

Scotland, Nov 12: A strict control on the display of alcoholic products is to be implemented in supermarkets. This move which is to be approved by the MSPs next week aims to control alcohol abuse.

In a report to the Scottish Parliament Justice Committee, Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill insisted that many stores are already selling alcoholic drinks like any other stationary products. The display of these products should have to be restricted to certain areas. It has to be kept away from other products; alcohol is not like buying any other consumer goods.

He further added that the government is conscious that the presence of alcohol throughout the stores will indirectly boost the alcohol consumption. This move is as part of shifting attitudes and will focus on long term benefit. The new rules were introduced as the retailers were not showing any tendency on this regard voluntarily.

While responding to this the supermarket giant Asda hinted on the unintended after effects of this move. The letter from Asda hinted that the move by the committee will shrink the customer choices. The product stock will also experience a decline. There will be a 14 day exemption as a prelude to Hogmanay to facilitate the stores to handle the excess demand for alcohol.

Another letter from Iain McMillan the director of CBI Scotland opined that the retail outlets of all sizes will have to pay an extra cost to store extra stock in the storehouses and the staff will experience more pressure to keep the shelves filled every time.

Meanwhile the Edinburgh City Council has given shape to a rough licensing policy which is expected to be implemented at the end of this month. The policy insists that the alcoholic products should be displayed for sale in a separate area within the shop. It is considered that the policy would be altered as according to the new regulations.