Visitor Centres To Be Exempt From Alcohol Laws

[John]

Regulations restricting the display of alcohol will not apply to tourist attractions such as breweries and distilleries, it was announced yesterday.

During a visit to the Scottish Liqueur Centre at Bankfoot in Perthshire, Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said the move will protect businesses which promote the history of Scottish drinks.

The regulations are due to come into force on September 1.

They have been introduced to stop off-sales premises displaying alcohol at several areas in their stores to try to encourage impulse buying.

Mr MacAskill said: "Clearly, alcohol sold at attractions to promote and increase understanding of the skill that goes into producing fine premium drinks such as malt whiskies doesn't fall into this category.

"I am now laying regulations in parliament that mean these attractions can make sure their gift shops are able to continue to trade in a way which complements the rest of the experience."?

The announcement was welcomed by Scottish Liqueur Centre managing director Kenny Mackay.

He said: "This is great news for the whole of the Scottish drinks industry.

"We can continue to greet our customers in the traditional way in a welcoming environment."?

The revised regulations were drawn up in consultation with the Scotch Whisky Association.

Government and consumer affairs director Campbell Evans said a "workable"? solution had been agreed.

He said: "The revised regulations are a recognition that it's possible to tackle alcohol misuse while avoiding unintended negative consequences for a key Scottish industry."?
Why i it took them so long to come up with this common sense decision to make distilleries exempt from these new regulations is beyond me but i suppose we should be thankful that they did.

John

[Charlie]

[Big Mac]

You really have to question the ability of the the people who came up with these new regulations in the first place without considering the likes of distillery gift shops. It is all very well amending the regulations but that should not have had to happen. It is frightening to think what other powers do these people have.

Mac

[Jackson]

Mac i would question the ability of most politicians to do what is common sense.

Jackson