Battle over cross-border booze

With Scotland about to introduce minimum alcohol pricing, an English council is arguing over whether to cash in on the changes by promoting the availability of cheap alcohol to attract Scots tourists.

The Labour Group on Northumberland County Council said the council would be missing out on a “golden opportunity” to boost tourism, suggesting that funds should be set aside for a specific advertising campaign.

However, Conservative councillors have criticised the comments as irresponsible.

Paul Wheelhouse, an SNP Member of the Scottish Parliament, said today: “Northumberland is a wonderful part of England, rich in historical provenance and blessed with natural beauty that would attract any visitor. It would be far better for councillors to promote that than to think cut price booze deals are what will bring Scots tourists across the border.”

The Scottish government is pressing ahead with legislation to impose a minimum unit price for alcohol of 50p, which is expected to come into force next April. The legislation is aimed at cutting levels of binge drinking in Scotland. The UK government is also consulting on the idea, but would not impose legislation for several years.

Opponents to minimum pricing have already highlighted the potential for cross-border increases in alcohol purchasing. The Scottish Grocers’ Federation has already said that Scottish shops close to the English border are seeing a fall in alcohol sales, following an earlier ban on multi-buy discounts on alcohol.