Brewer warns of cross-border trade

BEER will be 50% more expensive in Scotland than England if a minimum price of 45p a unit is introduced – a differential that could spark an increase in cross-border trading. Molson Coors UK, brewer of Carling lager, is not opposed to the principle of minimum pricing as part of a “holistic” approach to tackling alcohol misuse – but said it should be set at a level which “targets problem prices”, allows retailers to compete responsibly on price and “avoids driving problem prices underground”.

Pubcos drinking in last chance saloon

PUBCOS have been given a final opportunity to prove that the relationship between landlords and tenants can be improved by self-regulation. A debate on pubco reform held in the House of Commons earlier this month concluded with the government agreeing to set up an independent panel to review the progress made by the industry’s new code of practice in the autumn.

Pubs told to grab tourism chance

TOURISTS are flying to Edinburgh for short-term breaks as never before – and pubs can profit by providing “authentic Scottish experiences”. That was the message...

Old meets new on the beautiful south

RECLAIM, rework, recycle – that was the mantra adopted by Glasgow bar and restaurant owners Catherine Hardy and Jacqueline Fennessy during the refurbishment of...

Hunter is new BBPA chair

THE boss of Molson Coors in the UK and Ireland has taken over as chairman of the BBPA. Mark Hunter, who replaced Ralph Findlay at...

Bash dosh is strictly for scholars

INDUSTRY charity HIT Scotland is enjoying a positive start to the year after raising £16,000 at its Christmas party. The event, held last month in...

New diary app from WSTA

THE Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has launched a free iPhone app that includes its trade diary for events such as tastings, seminars,...

Retailers hail high street revival plans

A REVIEW of town planning, business rates and red tape could help Scots retailers flourish. That’s the message from the Scottish Grocers’ Federation, which welcomed...

Wetherspoon helps raise cash for CLIC

PUB chain JD Wetherspoon has raised £5 million for CLIC Sargent since forming an alliance with the children’s cancer charity in 2002. Wetherspoon founder...

Venue exchange for Achievers

THE Scottish Wholesale Association’s annual awards ceremony will take place in Edinburgh’s Corn Exchange on February 9. SWA executive director Kate Salmon said Achievers has...

Columns

Jack Cummins
LEGAL
Niall Hassard
ONLY DRAMS
Andrew Dowson
Neil Morrison
ASK THE OPERATOR
Neil Morrison
THE GRAPEVINE
Luke Richardson