Scottish alcohol plans are 'unfair', claims federation

Chief executive at the SGF John Drummond suggested that the measures could well be "unfair" to convenience store retailers and would damage their businesses financially.

He said that the plans unveiled by first minister Alex Salmond MSP will penalise the majority of those drinking legally who normally do so responsibly.

"A tobacco display ban will cost the convenience store sector millions of pounds but is a measure the government is determined to pursue despite evidence from Canada which suggests that youth smoking rates remain higher in the States that implemented display bans," he remarked.

He added that the SGF is unsure how the government will roll out a registration scheme with the attempt to beat illegal tobacco traders.

Requests by the organisation for it to be illegal for adults to buy cigarettes for people under 18 have "fallen on deaf ears", he argued.

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association this week said that the proposal by the Scottish National Party to change the purchasing age of alcohol in Scotland to 21 is chasing headlines and will not solve social behavioral problems connected with drinking.

However, the re-introduction of licensee tests, which could ensure that irresponsible parties are not allowed to sell alcohol, has been hailed by the SGF.