Alcohol sales have fallen since ban on multi-buys

Alcohol sales have fallen since the Scottish ban on multi-buy deals was introduced in October, new figures suggest.

Retail analysts Neilsen said sales of wine fell by 5 per cent, spirits 3 per cent and beer 8 per cent during the first eight weeks of the ban, compared with the same period of 2010.

Sales of wine in England and Wales were down 4 per cent and spirits by 1 per cent, although beer sales were up 1 per cent during the period.

SNP MSP Bob Doris, deputy convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Health Committee, welcomed comments from Nielsen’s client services manager Gavin Humphreys who said “the measure has had an impact”.

He said: “These early statistics show the ban on multi-buy deals is working.”

Mr Doris described the contrast between Scotland and England as “extremely encouraging”.

He added: “The SNP is committed to tackling Scotland’s unhealthy relationship with alcohol, which is why these statistics should be welcomed across the country.

“The multi-buy ban was to target those people who go to supermarkets for one bottle of wine and end up buying three instead due to these offers. This is helping us reduce alcohol over-consumption but more needs to be done. That is why the SNP is dedicated to introducing a minimum price for a unit of alcohol so we can raise the price of the cheap supermarket white ciders, lager and value spirits.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat health spokeswoman Alison McInnes said: “Scotland’s relationship with alcohol needs to be changed. Too many lives are blighted by the scourge of alcohol abuse. It is good news that sales of alcohol have fallen since this new legislation was introduced. It shows that taking steps to change our relationship with alcohol can make a difference.

“Banning multi-buys may be making people think twice about the amount of alcohol they are consuming.”