UK: A Scottish trade association against the linear pricing policy for drinks

The Scottish Beer and Pub Association (SBPA) complained to the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) about the amendment, which outlaws promotions which “encourages a person to buy or consume a larger measure of alcohol than they had otherwise intended to buy or consume”, The Publican communicated on December 14.

It claims the amendment acts against the interest of consumers by imposing a linear pricing policy for drinks. This means a customer would pay “double for a double”, “treble for a treble” and so on. But the OFT said the amendment does not encroach on the Competition Act 1998 and it will not investigate.

Patrick Browne, chief executive of the SBPA, said: “We are disappointed by the OFT’s refusal to get involved in this matter at this stage.

“We are taking further legal advice which suggests once the Act comes in and the practice has been the subject of a complaint from a member of the public who feels they have been disadvantaged, then the situation may be different as regards the OFT acting.”

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