The Scottish Grocers Federation has today launched an online calculator to support retailers with changes to the rate set for Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) in Scotland, expected to come into effect later this year.
The trade association for convenience retailers is preparing to roll out a package of advice for retailers ahead of an increase to MUP, from 50p to 65p, due to come into force on 30 September 2024.
The SGF MUP calculator is free to use, providing an easily accessible scale slider, and is available with both the current price (50p) and the new price (65p). Along with the SGF Guidance on Minimum Unit Pricing for Retailers booklet, the calculator is available on the SGF website.
SGF has reached out to the Scottish Government in the hopes of refreshing their Retailers Guide, which was developed jointly 2018. Providing all the most up to date figures and regulations for retailers.
“We supported the rollout of MUP in Scotland five years ago," said SGF Chief Executive, Dr Pete Cheema OBE. "Although we did not agree with increasing the price this year, we want to make sure retailers have everything they need to comply to the new rate.
“Throughout our engagement with the Scottish Government, we made it clear that more time would be needed to implement the changes, beyond the 1 May deadline, and they have taken that on board.
“From the end of September, however, anyone selling alcohol in Scotland is under obligation to sell at the new minimum unit price. Our revamped online calculator will give members and colleague across the sector the tools they need to update their prices ahead of the changeover.
“Many convenience retailers are at the very heart of their communities but some working flat-out just to keep the lights on and doors open. We don’t believe this is a good time to be adding pressure onto retailers or struggling household budgets, so everything possible must be done to ensure this transition is straightforward and manageable.”
The MUP regulations were first introduced on 1 May 2018. As part of a "sunset clause", the current legislation ends on 30 April and the new price of 65p will come into effect on 30 September 2024.
Brian McLister
