THE WINE MERCHANT. An independent magazine for independent retailers
Dog of the month: Torren The Square, Warwick
Issue 119, November 2022
Scottish recycling scheme ‘could add 40p per bottle’ Independents call for more clarity on proposals which will see customers return empties to reclaim 20p deposits
R
etailers in Scotland are worried
that the country’s deposit return
scheme for bottles and cans could
cause problems for the independent trade. The scheme, which is meant to go live
next August, will levy a 20p surcharge on most drinks containers, which retailers would be obliged to recycle.
Many independent traders agree with
the core aim of the scheme, which is to
boost Scotland’s recycling rates. But they say that both the drinks industry and the
Scottish population in general need more clarity about how it will work in practice. The scheme applies to producers,
importers and anyone marketing or
selling drinks “packaged in a single-use container made from PET plastic, glass,
steel or aluminium sized between 50ml
and three litres,” according to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.
Retailers will be obliged to check that
their suppliers are registered with the DRS. Although most Scottish drinks producers
and importers will be aware of the scheme, it’s far from clear how many of their
counterparts in other parts of the UK yet
understand it or are preparing to register.
There is also confusion over how English,
Agathe Lamour is on the fast track to retail management at Authentique Epicerie & Bar in Tufnell Park, north London, after impressing owner Alexandre Bal with her natural hospitality skills. Read why she’s this month’s Rising Star on page 8.
Welsh and Northern Irish suppliers will
adjust their prices for Scottish customers to incorporate the 20p levy.
Continues page 2