Industry leaders respond to Circularity Scotland Chief David Harris

We appreciate what David Harris is saying, but he says the “principle” is that an exemption would likely be granted, but nothing in black and white, plus each operatror would have to apply for one. Surely far more streamlined and efficient if an exemption is “automatic” if you are on-trade, but on occasion carry out an off-trade transaction, perhaps up to a certain amount/level.

Colin Wilkinson, Chief Executive of SLTA

Why are we not trialling this scheme in a region of Scotland and ironing out all the issues that the trade & associations are highlighting?

We know there are going to be stumbles – how can there not be with a scheme this size and a contained trial with amendments at the conclusion of the trial would have given consumers, producers and the public confidence that the DRS was ready to national launch to the benefit of the country and the environment.

Why are we launching this in the middle of the Edinburgh Fringe. August is chaotic enough with deliveries, uplifts and refuse collection due to the huge rise in footfall for the city. It brings me out in hives at the thought of what mid to late August might be like for the bars and the city!

Super challenging times ahead of producers, I fear some will say, no, this is a regulation too many and shut up shop – I desperately hope not though. We have such a fantastic range drinks from small, artisan producers and to see this entrepreneurial spirit snuffed out due to DRS, would be desperately sad.

No one is at odds with the principles of the scheme and no one is denying we must all play our part in supporting the environment but yet again, the hospitality trade isn’t being listened too, our professional and experienced views aren’t given any credence.

Is it any wonder we all feel so personally blighted by the ongoing kicking the sector seems to be receiving?

Louise Mclean Business Development Director of Signature Group

I’ve just finished watching yesterday’s Scottish Parliament debate on DRS and Lorna Slater cut a sorry, lone figure. None of her Green or SNP MSP’s bothered to show support in defence of the scheme. Clearly even they know it’s a disaster.

All due respect to Circulatory Scotland, they are at least trying to engage with industry.

The fact of the matter is that this shambles is all of the government’s own making. The scheme isn’t ready and hasn’t been thought through.

Yesterday Lorna Slater was repeatedly asked for explanations in Parliament.

Why haven’t we created a level playing field for small businesses by developing a reverse vending machine procurement framework?

Why hasn’t a plastic recycling plant been constructed to retain collected materials in our own economy?

If the scheme is ready then why does the latest Gateway report published last December say that we’re not? (Slater seemed unaware of said report). Consistently these questions and many others were deflected, remained unanswered or were blamed on someone else.

The Scotgov/Green coalition knows this is an exceptionally complicated business. Their own 2013 recycling targets have still not been met.

Meanwhile small businesses and producers are being pressured to commit to a 24 step process over 3 years that could see them put out of business.

One rule for us, another for them. The only DRS this Government should be adhering to is to Desist Ruining Scotland.

Michael Bergson Owner of Buck’s Bar & Thundercat Group