Taxi Driver Online

Not really taxi related....but quite encouraging nontheless.


Carlisle will become 'Calais for the Scots' if drink laws change


Alcohol sales in Carlisle could be set to rocket with Scottish people flocking over the border in search of cheap booze.

Plans by the Scottish Government to set a minimum price on a unit of alcohol could lead to residents in the south of Scotland coming to Carlisle to do their shopping, an MP has warned.

Russell Brown, MP for Dumfries and Galloway, said: “I think anyone can see, except apparently the SNP, that these proposals could create a ‘booze-cruise’ culture in our region, with people hopping over the border to get their alcohol. Essentially Carlisle will become Calais.

“Scotland’s issues with problem-alcohol consumption are serious, and they require a serious approach. Unfortunately, the Scottish Government’s ill-thought-out plans underline that they need to get real. It’s far too simplistic to say cheap drink is the cause of all the problems, Buckfast, for example, is relatively expensive.”

Asda’s Kingstown store is the first supermarket in the country for those travelling south into the city from the A74(M), and would be the major beneficiary of the incoming flood of thirsty Scots.

David Patterson, the retail giant’s Scottish affairs manager, said: “Our experience in Northern Ireland suggests there will be an increase in cross-border trade. Our store on the border is one of the best performing in the group, as customers come over from the Republic to take advantage of low prices and the exchange rate.

“But we are concerned about the proposals as a whole. We think it’s unfair for the vast majority of our customers in Scotland.”

Suzanne Caldwell, enterprise development manager for Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said: “I would have thought a lot of people already do come down from the south of Scotland to do their shopping in Carlisle.

“If there is a reasonably significant difference in price more people would be encouraged to do so to buy their drink.

“We are only 10 miles from the border and Carlisle is the nearest big place to southern Scotland.”

However, she added that people were unlikely to be encouraged to visit Carlisle for a night out because of the Scottish price hike.

“I think people coming and stocking up is different from coming regularly for a night out,” she said.

“There’s a lot of travelling, and the difference in cost between the drink and paying for a taxi means people probably wouldn’t think it was worth it.”

Other ideas outlined by the Scottish Government include ending two-for-one drink promotions, banning marketing cut-price alcohol by comparison to its original price, and setting out new ways to support adults deemed drunk and incapable.

It will also press UK ministers for a drop in drink driving limits, and support legislation requiring premises to offer standard measures of 125 ml for wine, and 25ml for spirits.

I don't know the answers to solving the huge drink problem that we have in the Uk, but, I would think it will take a little more than hiking the prices up as they propose to do in Scotland. IMO it would help if they raised the drinking age from 18 to perhaps 21. That of course won't help all the people hooked on alcohol now so it will take time before results can be seen. I think they will probably create a black market for alcohol as they have for cigarettes.

At least the economy of Carlisle should improve, which, has to be a good thing

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Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

The people hit most by this are children buying cheap cider and wine. I doubt if many of them will travel to Carlisle for cheaper off sales.
If it works, perhaps the rest of the country might follow suit?

Changing the legal age may help but since the over 18 rule seems to be ignored by many places, why would an over 21 rule be any different. Personally I would like to see the 18 rule enforced properly with heavier penalties for those who flout it.

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http://wingsoverscotland.com/ http://www.newsnetscotland.com/

100% agree with that statement Guss.
Carlisle, is not the nearest BTW, Berwick is

most invading scots get thier butts whupped and turn back quick, if not by Berwick then for sure by Derby

Westmister is safe

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Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most

Calais for the scots...

could be painted on the border signs into Carlisle, CC.

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Former taxi driver

and where does the Extra hiked up money go...is it the Booze Manufacturers or the Government ?..no ones said nowt about that yet....

Can you still get LD up there?

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Life? Don't talk to me about life!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjm2eslm6hI

You will be OK Blood you just have to open your living room window

They are trying to get rid of the pocket money booze culture, there'll be smugglers galore going over the border for their weekly liver drowning session.

UK Customs and Excise at the border....

or just fortify Hadrians wall

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Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most

CC

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

What's LD

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Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

A cheap fortified wine

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Life? Don't talk to me about life!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjm2eslm6hI

Loonies Diesel...?