Alcohol etc (Scotland) Bill delayed
May 13, 2010
The Alcohol etc (Scotland) Bill, which includes amongst others the proposal to introduce a minimum price for alcohol and to limit further alcohol promotions by off-sales, has been delayed. It was initially expected to be through parliament by the summer recess. It now looks likely that the Stage 1 debate will be at the end of May. At this point politicians will take a vote on the general principles of the Bill. If they vote against the general principles, the whole Bill will fall. If they vote in favour of the general principles, the Bill will progress to the next stage where the legislation will be examined line-by-line. Amendments to the legislation can be tabled at this time. In terms of when the Act might be finalised, it could be September, or even later, before it gets to Stage 3. You can follow the Bill’s progress at www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/34-AlcoholEtc/index.htm