Drink firms' warning for Scots

PEOPLE in Scotland could be left with less choice when shopping for drinks due to the flagship recycling plan, producers have warned.

One English business owner predicted the "complications and costs" of the Scottish Government's deposit return scheme could mean that many firms stop selling their products north of the Border.

Drinks companies are required to register for the recycling initiative by March 1, ahead of its official launch on August 16. But some fear it will place extra costs on them at a time they are already struggling.

Chris Jones, co-founder of Manchester-based drinks company Paragon Brands, said: "I'm part of a drinks forum group of approximately 300 smaller producers and a huge number of them have taken the option to stop selling in Scotland.