The Scottish Borders is will have to wait and see what effect minimum pricing for alcohol will have on the area, John Lamont MP has said.
A new minimum price of 50p per unit of alcohol will come in to force tomorrow (Tuesday 1st May) after legislation was finally given the go ahead by the courts.
The new measure will mean a bottle of vodka cannot be sold for less than £13.13 for a 70cl bottle and whisky would be £14. Large packs of beer and strong cider are also set to be affected.
The legislation includes a requirement for the Scottish Government to report back in 5 years time about the effect of the legislation on alcohol consumption and businesses.
Local MP John Lamont has said it remains to be seen whether the measure will have the desired effect of curbing excessive drinking and added that there may be further unintended consequences for the Scottish Borders.
Commenting John Lamont MP said: “This has been a controversial measure, which has been tested in the courts for several years. Now we have to wait and see what effect the introduction of minimum pricing has on Scotland’s relationship with alcohol.
“In the Scottish Borders, there is the added uncertainty of how this will affect sales locally. While I think cross border booze-cruises are unlikely, it may have an impact on people’s habits. If a trip to Berwick, Wooler or Carlisle looks more appealing, then shops in the Borders are inevitably going to take a hit.
“That is why it is good for the Borders that this measure will be reviewed after 5 years, thanks to pressure from the Scottish Conservatives. If minimum pricing proves to be ineffective then it can be scrapped.”