Episode 12

San Dubhlachd an-uiridh dh’atharraich Riaghaltas na h-Alba na tha e ceadaichte òl agus a bhith a’draibhaigeadh leis an amas rathaidean na dùthcha a dhèanamh nas sàbhailte. Ach tha cuid a’ ghnothachasan, gu h-àraid a-muigh air an dùthaich, ag ràdh gu bheil iad-san a’fulang ri linn leis gu bheil nas lugha dhaoine a’ dol thuca. Gu dearbhadh tha Comunn Malairt Dibhe na h-Alba, ag ràdh gur e seo an t-àm as duilghe a tha air a bhith sa ghnìomhachas san dà fhichead bliadhna mu dheireadh. Agus mar a tha Eòrpa ag aithris chan e an t-atharrachadh sa lagh a mhàin a thathas a’ coireachadh son nan duilgheadasan. Tha nithean eile ga choireachadh cuideachd – leithid crìonadh sluaigh, an eaconamaidh, cìsean agus mar a tha bùitean a’reic deoch làidir air prìs nas saoire.

In December 2014 the Scottish Government lowered the drink driving limit with the aim of making Scotland’s roads safer. But some publicans and hoteliers, especially in rural areas, say that their businesses are already feeling the effects. Indeed the the Scottish Licensing Trade Association says that this is the most challenging period it has seen in 40 years. As Eòrpa reports, the lowering of the drink drive limit isn’t the only factor being blamed. The industry also says that declining population, the economy, high taxation and the availability of cheap alcohol in shops is also affecting trade.