New drink-drive limit is damaging Scotland’s pub trade

SCOTLAND’s bars have been hit by a 60 per cent drop in takings since tough new drink-driving laws were introduced, research has revealed.

Beers on a tableALAMY

Bar owner say new drink-drive limit has had 'real impact' on the industry

Bar owners say that the strict new drink-drive limit has had “a real impact on the hospitality industry”.

The changes were introduced in December and saw the limit of 80mg alcohol per 100ml cut to just 50mg.

Some bars have adopted smaller glass sizes such as schooners – a two-thirds of a pint glass – in a bid to win back drinkers afraid of losing their licences. Others havecome up with “mocktails”, alcohol-free cocktails.

Tennant Hilditch, director of sales at drinks supplier Beacon, said: “The first two months of the new drink-driving laws being in force have shown a real impact on the hospitality industry in Scotland. 

“Traditional lunchtime drinkers or post-golf drinkers in the clubhouse have been particularly affected.” The research says some hotels are making their check-out times later, and lunch service earlier, in an effort to delay the start of drivers’ journeys.

Nicki Robertson, general manager at Best Western Woodlands Hotel in Dundee, said: “We’ve been hit hardest at lunchtimes, with a significant drop in bar sales in December and January. 

“Although our evening sales are remaining steady, we just can’t charge as much for low alcohol wine or beer, and at lunchtime, we are finding that many of our guests are just enjoying a jug of tap water with their lunch. It’s great for safety on the roads, but it puts us in the hospitality industry in a difficult position.”

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