Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for Central Scotland, Graham Simpson, has called on the Scottish Government to pause their “disastrous” Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) which could cause untold damage to local businesses in the region.
Mr Simpson’s call comes after he met with Jaynie Kean, Director of RAER Whisky at Jackton Distillery, last week who explained how small producers are still in the dark over what they’re being asked to sign up to.
Ms Kean also raised concerns about the Government’s decision to include glass as a single-use container, which prevents firms like theirs from establishing independent refilling stations for customers.
The DRS Scheme, which is due to be implemented in August, levies a 20p deposit on drinks in a single-use container which consumers will get back when they return the empty bottle, glass or can.
However, small businesses have warned that, as constituted, it would impose potentially fatal costs on them, which would have to be passed on to customers. There are also potential legal obstacles – including the possibility it could create an unlawful trade barrier with the rest of the UK.
Mr Simpson says despite the Scottish Government’s own review of DRS in December concluding that a fully complaint scheme could not be introduced by the deadline, Lorna Slater, the Green minister in charge, has “ploughed on regardless”.
He added that this uncertainty could have “a devastating effect on small producers” in Lanarkshire who may have to lose staff as a result.
MSP for Central Scotland, Graham Simpson said: “The Scottish Government’s disastrous DRS scheme will, as billed, cause untold damage to local firms in Lanarkshire.
“If Green Minister Lorna Slater had bothered to listen to the very real concerns of small business owners like Jaynie from RAER Whisky then she would realise how unfit for purpose this scheme is.
“Despite being years in the planning, we now have six months to go and a policy that is totally ill-equipped, poorly planned and will end up causing more harm than good. Yet Lorna Slater ploughed on regardless.
“It must be paused immediately. A successful Deposit Return Scheme could have a positive impact on business and the environment. But, as it stands, this one is assisting neither.”
