Stores in North ready to cash in on Scots’ hunt for cheap booze

SUPERMARKETS in England are stocking up on alcohol in preparation for an influx of Scottish drinkers following the introduction of minimum pricing.

The law, which came into effect yesterday, means alcohol cannot be sold for less than 50p a unit in Scotland.

It means a standard 750ml 13 per cent bottle of wine cannot be sold for less than £ .88, a 700ml 0 per cent bottle of whisky for less than £1 and two litres of 5 per cent cider for less than £5.

Scotland is the first country in the world to adopt the measure. It has the highest number of alcohol deaths in the UK related to its population.

The Scottish government said the new law would cut consumption and save lives by targeting the cheap, highstrength alcohol that problem drinkers like.

But industry experts warned that it is likely to lead to Scots going on ‘booze cruise’-style trips over the border to the north of England to stock up on cheap alcohol. Supermarkets and shops on the border have already bought extra alcohol in anticipation of a surge in demand.

The House of Malt in Carlisle has expanded its lower-range whisky in its shops near the Scottish border.

Store manager Mike Little told The Daily Telegraph he hopes the minimum pricing rule will boost his business.

‘ We are heavily expanding our lowerend line, and hoping that those who live in the borders will come and buy from us, and we are running promotions for those who live in Scotland and are coming to visit our store,’ he said.