Westminster to follow Scots in anti-booze measures?

Policy-makers in England and Wales are looking at a number of initiatives trialled in Scotland to more tightly control alcohol sales, such as special booze checkouts in supermarkets

Shoppers south of the border face the prospect of buying alcohol at a dedicated supermarket check-out as another aspect of Scotland's proposed licensing regime looks set to be adopted by Westminster.

According to reports, UK Government ministers believe alcohol-only areas manned by specially-trained staff would help to curb Britain's growing binge-drinking culture. It is hoped such a system would deter shoppers from making excessive purchases by putting them under the scrutiny of fellow customers.

The dedicated check-out system is already out for consultation in Scotland.

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