News.Scotland.Org

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.

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