Whisky galore in England as Scots raise price of a dram

WHISKY shops in Berwick-upontweed and Carlisle are preparing for the arrival of Scottish drinkers on booze cruises after the introduction of minimum pricing north of the border.

Industry experts warned the new rules would mean drinkers may cross the border in search of cheaper alcohol.

As of midnight last night, new rules to discourage problem drinking increased the price of the cheapest alcohol in Scotland, with the minimum unit pricing (MUP) set at 50p.

This means that a 70cl bottle of whisky (28 units of alcohol) could not be sold for less than £14.

The House of Malt in Carlisle is putting on deals for those hopping across the border. Mike Little, the store manager, told The Daily Telegraph: “We are heavily expanding our lowerend line, and we are running promotions for those who live in Scotland.”

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association said the cost of around half the alcohol in supermarkets will go up.