The Vending & Automated Retail Association (AVA) has made an urgent call to suppliers based in or trading in Scotland to respond, either individually or as a company, to a consultation on a move by the Scottish government to push forward with a Single-Use Disposable Beverage Cup Levy with proposals that could have devastating effects on vending businesses.
AVA chief executive David Llewellyn warned: “If this levy is introduced for vending it would have a terminal effect on many operating businesses.”
After months of engagement with Scottish environmental and governmental bodies, the AVA has successfully raised concerns, and a potential exemption for drinks sold from vending machines has been included in the current consultation. However, this exemption isn’t guaranteed.
Why this matters: If this legislation passes without an exemption for vending, it could spell disaster for operators in Scotland, leading to significant financial impacts. Even if your business only trades in snacks, confectionery, or soft drinks, this could still impact your customers – and therefore your business.
Here’s what you need to know:
- The current proposal includes a 20p to 50p (or more!) levy on single-use disposable cups starting in 2025.
- Question 6 of the consultation asks if drinks sold from vending machines should be exempt. Vending businesses are being encouraged to respond to this question.
Responses must be in before the deadline of 14th November. You can get all the details of how to respond here
