The Scottish Government has confirmed its intention to implement a charge on all single use beverage cups. This will have a significant impact on any food business selling beverages, particularly in the food to go sector, as it applies to all beverages not just coffee. Below is more background on the proposal. We will be very active in collecting your feedback and shaping the final regulations so make sure you respond to our briefing on the Government's consultation which we expect soon.

Single Use Cup Charge in Scotland

Background

The Scotland Circular Economy Bill, which will shortly become an Act, grants the powers to implement charges on the sale of single use items. The first proposed use of the powers will be a charge on single use beverage cups.

Timetable

The Scottish Government will shortly consult on the detail of the regulation to support the new charge. It intends using the consultation and discussion with industry to shape the final regulations  which will be discussed and passed in the Parliament during 2025. The stated intention is for the regulations to come into force by Autumn 2025, although actual charging may begin after that date.

Implications for your Business

Any retailer charging for any beverage (not just coffee) in a single use cup will be covered with only very limited exemptions. The composition of the cup, in terms of its recyclability, is irrelevant. The charge will be set by the Scottish Government and has been suggested at 20-25p/cup. The current intention is retailers will keep the net proceeds, you can deduct a cost for administering the charge, but it remains to be seen if the Government will specify how the money should be spent, for example, on environmental projects. There is no further detail at this stage of reporting requirements for retailers.

SRC/BRC Action

As well as working directly with officials we will be seeking your views once the consultation is published. We will use your feedback to try and shape the regulations. We will also continue to lobby Scottish Ministers to ensure they understand the impact of the proposals on customers and businesses. That will include how the burden of this challenge adds to other environmental requirements which are also looming, including the EPR charge, DRS and recording coffee cup collection across the rest of the UK.

We will publish a summary of the consultation and invite your responses once it is published shortly.